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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 04/16/2009 wow care l'rviw City of r Co us uti City of o us Christ] MINUTES F 1 CHRISTI ANIMAL L l COMMITTEE ec Public Health District Education Roam, 2626 Holly Rd JAN 2 7 2010 The Minutes for April 16th, 2009 CITY SECRETARY'S OFNCE Members Present: Dr.Bill Watson,Sharon Massad.,Samantha Person and Bill Schroeder Members Absent. Dr.Buckley, Barbara Beynon Staff Present: Kelli Copeland,Margie Rose Staff sent: none Guests: none 1. Call to Order: Dr.Watson,Chairman Dr.Watson called the meeting to order at 12:33. 2. Approval of Minutes for March 26th 2009 Dr.Watson inquired about not having the approval of the minutes.Ms.Copeland replied that we had checked with Legal since Ms.Taube was not here to transcribe the meetings that it could be done at the next meeting. 3. Approval of Absences for March 26th 2009 Ms.Persons'stated that her absence was business related. Mr.Schroeder made a motion to approve,Dr.Buckley 2^d the motion all in favor motion passed. 4. Committee Reports Zoonosis a ort The Zoonosis Report was attached for viewing. Shelter Report Ms.Copeland informed the committee that we are fully staffed but some of the positions are filled with temporary employees. We have the 3 supervisors now,3 Sr.Management Assistants and have a temporary holding Ms. Taube's'position while she is out sick. There are 9 ACO2,one out on disability.There is 1 Sr.AC01, 1 AC01 and 3 full time temporary AC01's,4 part time AC01 temps.We did we have 2 other positions that we filled with them temps we will use as many bodies that we can. We have 1 health education Officer, ] veterinarian and 2 Y2 vet technicians, 2$employees. Ms.Copeland pointed out to the committee that we are embarking on humane housing. I recently mentioned this to Ms.Rose,now it will be new to her. We had visited Animal Control in San Antonio and they have a beautiful facility but we were impressed that they have what they call humane housing. None of their kennels have more then 1 or 2 dogs Animal Control Advisary Committee Meeting April 16'4.2009 d � in it, My first comment was it would never work in Corpus Christi. They advised us that it is simpler then you think and advised of the process.The first thing you are going to tell the officers how many dogs they are allowed to bring in a day. Ms,Copeland at first said you can't do that,but when they started talking I realized that without telling them that I had already done that because of writing tickets,you will make the owners responsible. When you are making contact with the owner,it's easier not to pick up the dog. When you have them,their drivers license and start wrifng the ticket; that is a start for the humane housing. Dr.House went with us and he was adamant that we try it and decided to give it a shot.Ms.Copeland added that now that in 3 weeks we are down to 2 dogs in a kennel, We all agree that we are not going to get down below 2 or 3.These kennels were built to hold that many dogs. So that's good.When we came into today we had 173 dogs and 1 rooster.It shows to be working and we are very pleased. We are establishing some new protocols and some we already had in place because we have a Kennel Master now.Because we have better staffing now then we ever had,we go behind individuals to make sure the protocols are being followed. We have identified population control. Ms.Copeland pointed out that every Monday Dr.House,Mr.Gould,and Ms.Schenzel and I will do a walk thru of the kennels;identify animals that should be put down immediately due to illness or mange. If someone were to come in to claim they should have charges filed on them. We also identify the animals that are at the end of their time. It's not been determined that they go into the adoption program or whether they be euthanized by their due date,their adoptability.We make sure they are scanned and being checked for tags and the health of the building all together. It is making a difference and is much easier then I thought it was going to be. Ms.Copeland added that she is pleased with the change,it is new and its going to be tested very well thru the summer time. It will make for a healthier facility and a healthier adoption program. Ms.Copeland pointed out to the committee that on Oct 121h—14m the flyer we will be hating a Disaster Animal Response Team training program. It is co-sponsored by the Humane Society and they actually will be putting it on. We will be asking for donations,financial donations.So if anyone has any suggestions please advise and we would greatly appreciate it. They will be staying at the Best Western.We will be looking at the Fire Department helping us with transportation.They have a bus that they use for disaster relief so they could transport them to and from hotel to the center. Ms.Copeland added that we are looking forward to Texas Animal Control Association coming down on November 91h. Mr.Jason Garcia from County Animal Control has arranged,Texas A&M will be putting on a Cruelty class and we are very excited about that.We have ordered volunteer t-shirts.We are promoting are volunteer program and encouraged about the response we are getting. Mr.Noble is making arrangements with Heidi Humrickhouse with Clear Channel who has done are PSA's.They will be doing another one. Mr.Noble added that where the dog will introduce themselves and say my friends and I are at C.C.Animal Shelter are here waiting to be adopted. Ms.Copeland added that Mr.Noble is great with working with the media and getting things going for us. The TAR program is getting started up again to recruit volunteers.We have an area that has about 20 cats near Pecan street which is in the area that we are working on. We should be able to get that under control in about a month and move on to another. The biggest problem is getting people to monitor the traps and bring them in.A lot of them are elderly so it makes it difficult for them. Ms.Copeland added that with the percentage report this year are numbers are up for March 674 compared to 598 last year. That is a 12%increase of impounds and that is in conjunction with our humane housing.As much as we are trying to keep the impounds down we are still picking them up. The return to owners is down from 76 to 32%which is sad. Ms. Massad added that it will make a difference in how many you have to put down. The adoptions are also down last year there were 31 and this year 26. Which is amazing to me,the adoption building is full.We have been having them going out. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few months. To look more closely at the figures and for next month I will run a comparison. Mr.Schroeder asked if the monies for citation go into the general fund. Ms.Copeland replied that it does go into the general fund, The staff realizes that the better we are at writing citations the better it is all around. You are making that owner responsible. It is good for the city,the individuals and the pets. Ms.Copeland added that last month we talked about the Food bank about them storing food with people giving up pets because of finances. At this time it has fallen thru they have decided they don't have any more room then we do. Anima!Control Advisory Committee Meeting April 16'6,2009 Might now we don't have a solution for that. Mr.Noble is looking into other things. Mr,Schroeder pointed out other trucking companies that would be willing to donate ones that may not be repairable.Ms.Copeland added that we will be looking. Clinic Report Ms.Copeland added that the surgeries are up from last year from 76 to 1116,which is a 34%increase. The vaccination clinic in the month of March in 2008 was only$1,857.00 and this year it was$3,499.00.This is probably due to the fact of vaccinating their pets at a lower cost. Mr.Schroeder asked about the micro-chipping . Ms.Copeland replied that it is done with our adoption program. At the next meeting we will be discussing fees before you for change and that is one of the fees that will be added on. Ms.Copeland added that she wasn't sure if the City was going to let us do it but this is what we are going to propose. I will also be puffing together a packet for people to read, 4. New usiness Mr,Eric Cuevas introduced himself as Program Manager of Vector Control.Mr.Cuevas informed the committee that he was here today to speak on behalf and in favor on the name change of the building to Tex Villarreal Building, Growing up in Corpus Christi every time we had mosquito problems or anything related you always heard the name Tex Villarreal. It was the year of 2000 when I came to work for Vector Control at our old facility that I got to meet Mr. Villarreal. We enjoyed his visits to our facility over on Morgan. Talking to him,learning from him as to what mosquito control was like when he started back in the 40's. If it wasn't for Mr.Villarreal and the work he did and the contacts he made with different entomologists throughout the state and the country we wouldn't have the surveillance and identification techniques we have today to combat the domestic pet mosquitoes that we have after large rains and the surveillance techniques that are used to submit mosquitoes to the stale for testing of West Nile Virus,or St.Louis encephalitis.Mr.Villarreal was here when the City had a outbreak of 5t.Louis. He was also here when they had an outbreak Dengue fever. He has done a lot for Vector Control and made Vector Control what it is today a full time not seasonal mosquito control program. Mr.Villarreal did a lot for the City of Corpus Christ and was nice to meet him in 2000.Mr.Cuevas said it was a great opportunity to sit and listen to his stories about what they use to do and what they had to deal with the machines they had back then. Not only was he working strictly with mosquitoes but the stories that he tells he worked hand in hand with Animal Control when they were on their building on Navigation. They would go over and control the problem they had with fleas like we did with helping them with their flea problem. Mr.Cuevas did mention that Mr.Villarreal is still living,is frail but it would be gracious to name the building after him. Mr.Herb Canales introduced himself also a City of Corpus Christi employee."Mr.Cuevas spoke very eloquently of Mr. Villarreal's technical skills",and I had the privilege of knowing him during my childhood in my neighborhood I grew up in. I remember him being a very kind and considerate man. He is very much a family man a great person to know. Mr.Cuevas also wanted to add that the name Tex came from his Army days.His given name is Augustine;when he was in the Army a lot of people couldn't remember that but they remembered he was from Texas so that is why he was called Tex. Ms.Massad asked the reason why the name change of the building is to honor him.Ms.Copeland asked if he created the process in how we eliminate mosquitoes and spray for them now. Mr.Cuevas replied that he developed back in the 40's when he was hired by the government we were having a problem with Yellow Fever going around.He was hired by the government to do surveillance and that particular species of mosquitoes were in the storm water limits. He later developed the spraying of the storm water inlets.After he got that under control thus came the difference species that carries St.Louis.They were continuing to treat the storm water limits.He was probably the first one for that technique along with the other ones.He was a great innovator. Ms.Massad inquired who started the process of changing the name of building to his name. Ms.Copeland replied that it was his son who asked for the name change. Ms.Massad also asked where they were located. Mr.Cuevas replied that we are apart of the same building across the hall. Mr.Schroeder added that it is nice to honor someone while they are alive and not after they are gone.It is a great honor for that person. Ms.Rose added that she did not know this gentlemen until after receiving this information. But after reading about him it seems like he had not only an impact on Corpus Christi,but the world. To me for someone to spend 41 years in one Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting April le,2009 place needs to be applauded.To be able to make the contributions after what I have read here and even talking to the staff and those who may have known him. But based on what I have read this gentlemen has made a impact on more then just Corpus Christi and fell that if he made a impact on other places around the world and to come to Corpus Christi to see a facility with his name on it I think that it means a lot. Mr.Schroeder made a motion that we recommend to the City Council to approve the name change as stated. Ms. Person 2nd the motion. All in favor motion passed. Unfinished Business Dr.Watson pointed out to the committee in regards to the one opening on the board and there will also be another opening within the next month. Dr.Watson added that he spoke with Ms.Copeland and the City Secretary would like input from the committee before it goes to Council. Dr.Watson added that he already spoke with Mr. Schroeder due to his term coming up and he would like to continue to serve. Mr.Reynolds position is the one that will be filled first and then Ms. assads'position to fill. Ms.Massad wanted to point out that at one time Dr.Heaton that she might be interested.Dr.Watson added that when he first came on the committee that he had spoken with her and at that time she had too much going on,so it could possibly still be the same way. Ms.Copeland added that if you do know of any other veterinarians that would be interested tell them to go online so they will be able to apply.Mr,Schroeder asked where we go from here, Ms. Copeland replied that we need to review what we already have and let Ms. Riley know when we are ready. Dr.Watson pointed out that someone asked a question that he didn't have an answer to.If there is already one veterinarian serves on the board can another also be on it Ms.Copeland replied that we are not limited to one vet; that is just the minimum. Ms.Massed added that when she first started we had some people that were considered shelter groups and ended up being'at large'. The categories could be changed, Ms.Copeland informed the committee of the prospective applicants,Ms.Meredith N.Grant and have spoken with her she is still interested and has no history with Animal Control. Ms.Copeland added that the reason she researched that felt that it would may not be good if we had someone that was in violation of a city ordinance.I would want to let you know if there were any issues going on with any of them, Ms,Grant is a citizen of Corpus Christi and the address she gave was not able to be found. The next applicant is Mr.James L Hinnant and he traps opossums and a lot of them. Ms.Massad asked what he does. Ms.Copeland replied that he brings them in here.You can't get away from the fact that there is opossum issue in the city. We get b opossums a day here. Ms.Copeland did add that she would love to be able to rehab them but the only person interested lives in the City of Corpus so that would not have worked. Ms,Copeland added the next applicant is Mr.Edward Kownslar whom I left a voice mail for but he has not responded back so I'm not sure if he is still interested. Mr.Gerald Lerma,who left a message saying he is still interested and he has no history With us. Ms.Katherine Murch whom is deaf,we have communicated by text messaging. At this time not sure how that would work but she was Miss Deaf Texas and interested. Ms.Persons asked if she reads lips. Ms. Copeland replied that she wasn't sure and has spoken with her secretary she informed me that she Ms.Murch is on the phone she uses the teletype and doesn't need assistance from another person,Ms,Copeland added that from speaking with her thru text and her secretary she seems to be a very capable young woman.Also a Rosemarie dlivarez,she also has a history with Animal Care.She calls in on stray animals and traps. Ms.Copeland added that she likes the idea of people that have utilized our services before because from a citizens point of few in the community they would know what they are looking for and sitting on the board would give them some insight as to the problems that we face in addressing situations. Ms.Copeland added that she had left Mr,Enrique Salinas a voice mail and had not heard back from him. He also has a person history but does not remember what it was, Ms.Copeland added that she had not contacted Ms.Sisson because I knew she was already interested, Mr.William Strawn whom we tried to reach but has not responded.Ms.Persons added that he is the husband of one of our volunteers and didn't realize that he had applied for this position. Ms.Massad asked how Mrs.Strawn was. Ms.Persons replied that Mrs. Strawn volunteers on a weekly basis, Ms.Massad asked if they are trying to save animals. Ms.Persons replied that he will come to most of the events that we have and when he picks her up from volunteering he will come and stay and play with the cats. The family has their own dogs and a cat and had fostered a cat from us whom had liver cancer and died. Anima®l Control Advisory Committee Meeting April l6t 2009 1 j Ms.Copeland pointed out that was all the information she had and now it was up to the committee to decide. You could take the packet home and review it and whomever you decide on. Dr.Watson added that the letter we were given would be to consider it in May.Ms.Copeland added that it can be postponed;however you want to do it whether you make a decision today or wait.Dr.Watson replied that they can email him their decision and he can forward them to Ms.Copeland. Ms.Copeland replied that she felt that a recommendation needs to be made in the committee forum. Ms.Copeland added that we can do it next month we have postponed last time. Mr.Schroeder added that you could put it on now and it could still be the last Tuesday in May. Ms.Massed added that since the other members are not here send us an email. Ms.Copeland added that it wasn't finished until last night so that is why you hadn't received n email. Ms.Massed asked if the other members who are not here email them so they can review;if we pick 2 ahead of time maybe we would all be on the same page. Ms.Copeland replied that she felt it has to be done in the forum of committee, Mr.Schroeder added that we could complete it at the next meeting. Ms.Copeland added that since there are many too choose from,it would be bad if everyone came in and had picked someone different. Dr.Watson added that we would discuss and make a formal offer at the meeting. Ms.Rose added that you do as suggested to communicate and then come together. Ms.Massad asked if they could go off the record and talk about it Ms. Copeland added that it would need to be at the next meeting.Ms. Massad added that we can talk about it as long as it is only up to 3 people that way it's not considered a quorum. Ms. Massad asked if anyone knew about Ms.Catherine Murch.Ms.Copeland replied that she is the one whom is deaf.Ms.Massad asked about contact with Ms.Grant. Ms. Copeland replied that the only person she had contact with besides other then Ms.Sisson is the information that you have in front of you today and did call to see if they were still interested. Ms.Massad asked what was found from Ms. urchs'secretary. Ms.Copeland replied that she thought she had served on some boards before and she was very active in them. This was not anything I had solicited but in the conversation of her telling me about Ms.Murch. Proposed Zoning Amendment—Samantha Persons Ms.Person pointed out to the committee the packet she handed out was submitted to the City for the proposed zoning amendment.This would be to allow enclosed shelters and rescue organizations in business zones. Currently the ordinance says that a commercial facility where 6 or more dogs,cats or other animals over 3 months are kept,raised, sold,boarded,bred,shown,treated,groomed but exclusive of animals used for agriculture purposes have to be in an 1 2 zone.However there are places like this throughout the city that don't seem to be causing any harm. For example Pampered Pets in B1,which is a pet store.Pets'Etcetera is in a B4,Tidy Paws is in a B4 and that is grooming.Pooch Pad is in a B4 which is boarding.Santa Fe Animal Hospital is in a residential area and they have outside runs. Pooch Pad is an enclosed boarding facility;they just walk the dogs outside and take them back in. When these items were brought up to the City they said these people had been grandfathered in or had special use permits. The fact is they are there and not causing any harm.Ms. Person proposed to that an amendment to be made on pg.4 to allow enclosed shelter and rescue organizations in business districts within the city and other offices and residential areas by special permits.Ms.Person added by that doesn't mean a zone change/special use permit that you have to go thru now but a special permit from Animal Control.Specifically under the zones listed would like to be allowed in. Ms.Massad asked if it would still need to be in a business area or could it be residential. Ms.Person replied that she put it would be allowed in business but the special use permit would be for the office zone or residential;so that it would automatically be allowed in business zones and other ones would have to come before a committee or like manner. To have them go before a committee or be inspected because of now=2 needing permits. Ms.Person proposes that they are allowed in these zones as long as there are adequate odors and noise controls are maintained.Animals are current on age appropriate vaccines required by state of Texas,spayed,neutered at the appropriate age so breeding cannot occur. This does not include everything there should be rules and regulations and my organization would be happy to work with on this. Ms.Massad asked if you want to do that why you don't change it so that people who want to breed dogs for show would be included in that. Ms. Copeland replied that she would look at that. Dr.Watson added that what he has seen in the past with zoning.The problem when you start someone to allow run a business in residential areas there are health problems and the value of the property being a business. There are buffers for residential for low and high residential,apartment,small and large businesses. Ms.Massed added that you take care of that by having the acre in there which she has.Dr.Watson added if we start getting a lot of people who want animal related business next to residential. Ms.Massad replied that it wouldn't be a business. Dr.Watson added that it cannot be both ways;if you want to operate yourself as a dog breeder selling animals you would need to classify yourself as a business and get Animal ControlAdvisory Committee Meeting Api ll!G'".2009 your zone change;legal would tell them that The City has it where a pet breeder and yet you are a business so far as taxes and as such. But you cannot operate the business out of your kennel.it is a fine line to walk. The way the zoning boards are set down to organize all that In Flour Bluff you see a lot of horses in the back north because where the city ends you can't do retroactive. Ms.Massad replied that you can with the 5 year rule.Dr.Watson added that animals can outside for no more then a certain length of time.Ms,Massad added that's why there would be rules;they would have to be so far away from the houses around them. If you live on Greenwood and you have someone right next to you,but if your out in Callalen and have an acre you would be okay. Ms.Massad added that she felt it was worth a try to look at.Dr.Watson added that he sympathizes with her because a lot of nice places where there is a lot of public access or visibility are out of the zoning area.The ones you can go to are in areas you don't want to be around at night. When Animal Control use to be on Navigation a lot of people never went because of where it was. Ms.Copeland asked Ms.Person that you are asking the board to review and discuss. Ms.Person replied yes and if we were to go the City Council maybe if you voted in favor maybe you could say Animal Care approves of this zoning change.i don't know if we personally are going to have to do that because we are looking at a property outside of the City limits but 1 still feel that the zoning the way it is doesn't make sense where there are pet stores and Pet Smart,we go there everyday,there are animals there everyday. There are shelter animals there everyday. Some pet stores have animals that are not spayed or neutered or vaccinated.Why should they be allowed in business zones when we have all of our animals are healthy if they are not they are at the vet The people that are not following the rules,they are not going to follow them. I feel that this is to keep the people not following them outside of the city limits.They are still not going to follow the rules regardless and feel that the people that are following them keeping us out of places where people will actually come and see us.Ms.Person added that she will still follow thru with this if we end up getting a facility outside of the city limits. Ms.Copeland replied that as this office is concerned is willing to sit down and look at it with you and see what we can come together as an agreement. As far as the board is concerned which is separate from me,they would be making the recommendation for you if that is what you are looking for. Ms.Person added that the rest of the package shows other cities that allow this.I am showing 3 cities in Texas and how it's worded and 1 city in Georgia where the shelter is that we are modeled after. The shelter that I went to in Georgia is in the middle of a strip center and happens to have a veterinarian on one side of them but it is not their vet On the other side is a regular store and they have been there for 15 years and everything has been fine. I saw it and had no idea what I was getting into with this city. In research most other cities do allow this. I feel the precedent is there but it won't cause a sudden health crisis,it is working in other areas.In the meeting with the City that was one of the problems they thought it might cause health issues. It could be a reason why we might need to go to area in the middle of no where;which is why I did the research to show that it does work in other cities. Dr.Watson asked if the board agrees I would like to table the discussion till the next meeting where then we will have a quorum.Ms.Massad added that Ms.Copeland should have looked at it before it was brought to the board. If this is how you want to present then you ought to take it to the City Council.What is usually done is whoever is in charge of the organization then move on.When you start changing things it's not always easy.Ms. Person replied that wasn't proposing that it was these are the things that I feel that should be changed and how we change them is a process. That's what I am proposing is the process. Ms.Copeland asked Ms.Person what kind of time frame you are looking at because right now I am working on the fees'for our shelter. Ms.Person replied that it is not as imperative right now since we are going to be in the other building. Ms.Massad added that it is a great idea because of what I saw I thought was ridiculous. 7. Public Comments No public comments were made. 8. Identify items to be placed on the next agenda Ms.Copeland wanted the discussion of fees for Animal Care Services on the agenda.Dr.Watson also added for Unfinished Business the Discussion of appointrnent for Board Members. 7. Adioumment Dr.Buckley made a motion to adjourn,Mr.Schroeder 2nd the motion all were in favor motion passed. 1:27 p . Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeling April le,2009