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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRIST[
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Nueces County Public Health District
Education Room, 2626 Holly Rd
The Minutes for January 21St, 2010
Members Pmsent: Dr,Bill Watson,Dr.John Buckley,Samantha Person, Helen Sterbach,Cheryl Martinez, Barbara Beynon and
Bill Schroeder
Members Absent: none
Staff Present: Kell!Copeland,Margie Rose
Staff Absent: None
Guests, Dr.Hughes,Dr.Heaton and Jim Kinney
ll. Call to Order.
Dr.Watson called the meeting to order at 12:30 pm.
2. Discussion and possible Approval of Minutes from December 17th,2009
Mr.Schroeder made a motion to approve the minutes,Ms. ynon 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed.
3. Discussion and possible Approval of Absences from December 17",2009
Dr.Buckley informed the committee he was out due to final exams.
Dr.Watson informed the committee he was out due to being an vacation.
Mr.Schroeder made a motion to approve the minutes,Ms.Person 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed
4. Discussion of Monthly Reports
A. Zoonosis Report
Dr.Buckley pointed out the report was primarily on bats.Dr.Buckley also stated that there were 15 bats in total,13 of them being negative and
2 were not able to be tested.
B. Shelter Report
Ms.Copeland explained to the committee that if you want to effect change in the lives of individuals that you go after the head of the family.
Mom and Dad have a though process change and leach that to their children and they grow up and do the same thing. Many times we only go
after the children in Animal Control as in going to the schools and various programs. That will not affect a lot of change use they don't see
any change in the life style of the parents. We have been battling the lack of owner responsibility in the city and we get out there and do Public
Relation and programs to try and educate people. I stop myself and ask who the parent in the City is. It is the City Government,that is who the
individuals look to and with this we have decided to begin a program that is going to target the City employees.Ms.Copeland added that the
hope is as we target them to make them better and more responsible pet owners that it will roll over to the extended family,friends and
neighbors.
Ms.Copeland passed out a flyer based on the yearly calendar and having a theme for each month.Ms.Copeland added that she was going to
start this in January but with Mr.Noble leaving;since then have had to take over some of the duties so it won't start until February which will be
A►zinial Control Advisory Conindttee Meeting January 2151, 2010
`Have a heart Spay and Neuter month. The city employees have a newsletter this is a copy of the fetter. March will be"Spring in to
vaccinations Month'. For the month of March I did this month with an interview with Dr.House talked about the importance of vaccinating
your pet, In April it will be national'Disaster Preparation Month'. They will be running an article on what the city employee should do to protect
their pet during an emergency and in the event of an evacuation, s.Copeland added that she did this for 3 months in advance because you
know how my schedule can be.
Ms.Copeland added that along with this each month we will be doing give away. In the month of February there are some things that they will
look for in the newsletter and if the first one to find them will get a free spay or neuter which will be a total of 3 winners.
Ms.Copeland added that in March we will be giving away vaccinations to the city employees, In April for the Disaster preparation we will be
doing a back pack give away for items you need to take for your pet in the event of evacuation. We have a series of things that we are
planning to give away to the employees to encourage them. One of them is to encourage them to establish a relationship with their
veterinarian. One of the problems with pet responsibility is a lot of times people don't understand that their pet needs to see a vet on ulr
basis at least every 6 months. One of the things that we will be doing is getting city employees to bring in a receipt from their vet for that month
for an exam,talked to their vet,bring in a receipt so many of those are going to get a giveaway. I'm not sure what yet,I am going to try and
approach Pets art to see about getting a gift card or something from them. Our goal is that we want to make a concerted effort over the next
year to instill in the city employees the importance of walking your pet,carrying a scooper when you are walking them. To vaccinate your pet,
cleaning your pets teeth,teaching your pet obedience,why it's important your dog doesn't jump up on somebody when they come in,proper
confinement and what it means. To establish a relationship with your veterinarian;adopting a pet instead buying one. It we can refocus the
mindset of the city employees we will affect their children and each one of them probably has 2 or 3 of them in their home. If we can affect
change in the mindset of the city employee they may be able to in their family and friends.
5.Copeland added that when she started with Animal Control and realized the issue it took me 10 years to get my Dad to property confine
his pet,to vaccinate and at the end he acted like he had always done it and how could someone not do it. I had made a real believer of him.
Ms.Copeland added that she believes it is an opportunity to affect change in a lot of people's lives. If you can look out there at the local
businesses and find some give away and it would drum up business it would be appreciated. Also during these economic times,talked a bit
fore all came in,not sure any of you saw the city council meeting Tuesday,they are going to be doing 5 furiough days.The
employees will be made to go home without pay between now and June. That is half a paycheck,we have staff that has a second job to make
ends meet,and it is tough. I reminded staff that the city is not here for us to have a job we are here to service the city. With that being said this
is still hurtful,painful and scaring a lot of people. I also feel this is an opportunity for us to encourage the employees and to give them back
something. I had someone tell me the other day the city is not a very employer;that is a sad state of affairs. I think we ought to be a part
of being everything we can to encourage the city employee's. We will lei people know to be reading the newsletter and let them know about
the give always.
Ms,Copeland informed the committee of the hand out for the logo an the pet evacuation lax!,for the trailer. It anyone has any input,if they
would like to see other colors,some other kind of logo please let me know. Mr.Schroeder has graciously agreed to take care of the cost of the
logo so it won't touch our budget which is a great help.
Ms.Copeland pointed out to the committee the monthly numbers for the shelter and will start off with the comparison for the years 2008 and
20K Ms.Copeland added that she did run a Chameleon report to see the monies versus last year and we are about at the same amount,
approximately 0 more this year than last. This is really important and will stress this at City Hall at how well we have done financially.
Whether that ill continue I don't know and feel a lot of it had to do while Mr,Noble was here,he was able to do a lot for us. We were getting
press good and also the Spay Neuter Clinic.The figures we 3k from Aug 1 to present.
Ms.Copeland pointed out that for the year 2009 went up from 378 to 388. For the return to owned animals in and in 20GB was
9%,The rescue and adoptions in 2009 was %and in 2008 was 7%. For the Spay Neuters in 2009 were 1,494 and in 2008 were 1,395. The
total call for service in 2009 was 27,568 which are down,in 2008 were 29,274.00. Ms.Copeland added that the total for Bite Cases in 2009
was 814 and in 2008 were 759.
Ms.Copeland informed the committee that in the last 3 years we have been reporting to Ms.Margie Rose.Ms.Annette Rodriguez
named Director of the Health Department,previously she was Interim Director. As of February 1st,2010 we will start reporting to Ms.
Rodriguez.
Ms,Copeland asked if there were any questions. Ms.Beynon asked about the comparison totals;in reference to the outgoing animals. At the
top of the page it says dog,cat,other,others and total. Why are there 2 columns for other? Ms.Copeland replied somewhere along the line it
was dupficated in the software and that is something that myself or Mr. Noble did and haven't figured out where it is duplicated yet. There
should be only 1 others column. Ms.Beynon added that under the Bite Case totals for 2009 there are 2 columns for n n n restraint and the
total. Ms.Copeland replied that she didn't think that had happened fore,it could be something new and I will look into that.The others would
be bat,raccoons,squirrels and opossums.
Aidmal Comrol Advisory Conlniitlee Meethig Jamiary 21", 2010
Clinic_.
Ms.Copeland informed the committee that there total for spay and neuter was 114.
5. Discussion and possible recommendation n grants that mpy be available for Animal Care Services to_offset cost
Ms,Copeland informed the committee that the reason why she wanted this item put on is we have had positions frozen;we are not going to be
able to -fill Mr.Noble's position.I am hoping that this committee,that as our committee will be willing to form a separate sub-comminee sub-committee and
a out to look for grants. Mr.Noble was working on it and of course is no longer here. Ms,Copeland added that there is no way that I would
be able to absorb all of the things that he has done. I need some help and if we don't get any grants a lot of things will suffer. I am asking you
to be a pad of the solution and to help find some grants.
Ms.Beynon asked if Mr.Noble left any notes in regards to this. Ms.Copeland replied that she knew of he did not,but I can reach him and get
any information that is needed. He basically went to the Internet and typed ingrants and animal control grants. I will s what I can find and
email you this information. ills.Beynon replied that whoever helps out would need to have these notes.
Dr.Watson asked for any volunteers for the subcommittee. s.Martinez replied that she would help and have a data base that we could
utilize,Ms.Beynon added that she wouldn't have the time to o the research on the computer but would be able to help write something for
e committee.
6. Discussion Mgarding suggestions and solutions Jffr u er EgglflqpgAhL1M Cost Vaccination Clinic
Ms.Copeland informed the committee of an email that she received from s.Turner with suggestions after going to our low cost vaccination
clinic. We had 2 weeks In a row cancelled with the first clinic after we had an enormous amount of people come in. There were some that
showed up with 8 animals. Some of the issues that haven't been in place really showed up on that day. People were waiting for a long period
of time and got tired. 't take more than 50 customers and we had to stop taking them in minutes after opening up. We sent a lot of
people away.
Ms.Beynon asked it this was here. Ms.Copeland replied yes we have it here from 1 pm to 4 pm. We have had a lot of suggestions since.
These were some that were sent to us and there are some that will be eliminated.I feel that there are some good suggestions and some that
would like to see put to use. I go out with my money and I buy videos for the VCR.I know people get tired of watching the same thing over and
over.It would be nice if there was e way for us to come up with more videos. When Mr.Noble was here he helped us in making a video for
the community service workers. He is going to come back and help us make 1 or 2 about responsible pet ownership and what our services
are. Even with that if you have anything at home to donate preferably animal related videos. It could be National Geographic or if you know
anyone who has anything. Ms.Martinez asked about if they were cartoon animals. Ms.Copeland added that we do have a DVD player out
there,so that would too,but if you have the videos since most people d 't use them would be willing to donate.
Ms.Copeland also d one of the other suggestions about pets not being allowed in the bath mom.The reason for that is I would go in there
and people left little surprises in there.Besides from being smelly It could also dangerous because someone could fall. They are correct in
that if you are here for a long time and by yourself then it could be difficult;I didn't know if anyone could help us come up with solutions. Ms.
Martinez suggested but wasn't sure if possible is but people have their dogs on leashes,if they could be put in a crate,use the restroom and
me back and get it. Ms.Copeland replied that the problem with making staff responsible is they are so busy they are not paying attention
and if you put your dog in a crate and if someone else comes over and takes it out my staff isn't going to notice. Ms.CoWand added that she
thought cages,but we don't have it in the budget to purchase them.We could give out locks and take it with you, Ms.Martinez suggested
maybe that could be done with a crate,maybe a zip tie crate and then cut it.Ms.Copeland replied that anyone could cut it,at least if we loaned
them a lock. Ms.Martinez maybe you could use a bicycle lock,I have done that with my dog especially if I'm staying overnight at a motel
because I'm scared,I've done that and nobody could a it. Ms.Copeland asked if it Is with a big U.Ms.Martinez replied yes. Ms.Copeland
replied that could be possible. Ms.Beynon asked if we do the clinics every Monday. Ms,Copeland replied yes,we do try and post it on the
ebsite,we always post it in the front and notify the call center of the schedule.
Ms.Beynon added that this lady saying how long she waltect has anyone ever done any kind of study how many dogs per hour the vet does.
Ms.Co and replied that the slowness isn't on the part of the vet;it is the staff that is doing the intake of the animals. You have to input the
information in the computer and the monies and in an orderly fashion. s.Copeland added that if one person has one dog it may take 10-1
minutm Ms.Tau no;that it would take her 5 minutes at the most.Ms.Beynon added that you have to anidea of how many dogs in
an hour you uhly do. Ms.Copeland replied yes. Ms.Taube added that with this particular Monday,our new temporary staff for the office it
was her fit Monday with the clinic and that for the first 2 hours was going as fast as I could on my own while she watched and was trained on
the procedures then we were able to start the intake also where it moved things along faster.Ms.Beynon added that what she was going to
say that instead of 50 people showing up at 1 ;is it possible to do some kind of pre4egistration,that way It may take an hour or two but you
will be here at 1 and you won't be staying until 5.Because you have those who have to go pick up kids or something;I am Just thinking of the
average citizen. Maybe they could be given an assigned time to be here instead of everyone coming at once. Dr.Buckley added that when
they have the papers passed out with the numbers maybe they could have a time on it. Ms.Copeland replied that might work and was thinking
that if they were to call in advance that would be one more step that the office staff doesn't have to do when they come in.
rtirnr l Coyarol Advisory Conintittee Meethig.] rttt 215x, 2010
Ms.Beynon also k if it could be set up on the intemet.Mr.Schroeder added that they could send it to you and then when they come up it
could be better. Ms.Copeland replied that I like the idea because not everyone follows up and there are some that do not have the intemet
access. Ms.Beynon replied but for those that do cDuIdnT we help them out. Ms.Copeland replied that what Mr.Schroeder suggested with
those then maybe they could leave and come back by a certain time. Ms.Taube added that there are some that already do that and let them
know to be back by 4 which is the cut off time use we only pass out the numbers until 3:45. Ms.Copeland added that unless we get the
numbers passed t before the cut off. Ms.Taube added that once we know all the numbers are passed out we post a sign letting them know
that and ask them to come back next week. Ms.Copeland reiterated that it might work if we start to put the time on it. Ms.Copeland also
added that you have those that cannot afford the vaccinations they may not have access to a compuler. We are already putting the numbers
on the cards. Dr.Watson added that anytime that you offer low cost clinics about of the people a there within the first hour. When we
use to have clinics before Ms.Copeland came the vets came and we would be there for 3 hours,and with those the first hour of them
would be there during that time,Then the next 2 hours people would still come but would be a lot slower.A lot of the people also have
transpoitation issues also and you may have some people that car pod over.It can be hard also when you have people that work and want to
utilize it but cannot.
Mr.Schroeder asked that when we reach the 50 numbers passed out and you tell them to come back next week.If you were to be able to give
them the sheet to fill out and bring it back ahead of time and say that your appointment is for 2-3 and then you can have the information already
in the computer.That way they are pre-registered pre-registered and then they know they have a given time,maybe like a rain check. Ms.Copeland replied
that could be a possibility. Ms.Beynon asked if the form could be put on the Internet. Ms.Copeland replied yes.Ms,Taube asked at if we
did that and we have people at the shelter,that pawn who has filled it out on the intemet may think they are number 1.We have the people
that show up as early as 12 noon to wait so they are not here that tong. Ms.Copeland added that a solution to that would be to put the time on
those who are early are taken care from 1 to 2 pm and then anyone else would be from 2 and after,It would benefit If they were able to do it on
the internal. .Ms,Sterbach added that if you have someone who did fill it out on the intemet and then wasn't able to show up would that mess
anything up.Ms.BeynDn added that the forms online that it's not so much they can fill it out online,I do this a lot,I will go online and download
e form and have it filled out when I walk thru the door. Then that would help with the data entry.
Dr.Buckley pointed out that if they did provide the service in filling it out online,or download the form and print then fill out and it would save
time here in the office. s.Copeland replied that there are good suggestions and are online registrations have been a problem, r.Noble had
been working with the Call Center who takes of that.It has been difficult to work thru the glitches because it is thru a company, We are
are of the problems with the form.
Ms.BeynDn pointed out that you know with working these clinics at if someone has a problem with understanding a portion of the form and
maybe parts of the form need to be change the formal. Ms.Copeland replied that based on these suggestions we are ing on redesigning
the form. Ms.Ramos has talked about it a few times since the person came in.This is Important and a lot of times people will just leave angry
over something and you never hear from ain. So it was good for us when you have a customer who said that the girls were great,but
there are me things that I saw that could be improved.
Ms.Beynon also added that if you get questions now what do I do,maybe if there is a piece of paper that has the steps on it in plain language.
Also the item where it talks about the mangy dogs and such,we all face that when we go to the vet. That is why it would behoove you to keep
your waiting room to a minimum number. s.Copeland replied that when we do get animals that are a problem we will open the door to the
conference mom and we let them in.It usually is dosed unless we determine there is a problem,so the owner can sit with em,and there is
usually only a few. I am not sure what happened on the day that it didn't happen. We don't separate t 'sick'or mangy dogs.Ms.Martinez
asked about putting out hand sanitizer. Ms.Copeland said that we do but we put out smaller ones because we had an extra large container
walk off. Ms.Martinez replied that you could get the one that go up on the side of the walls.(Dr.Watson staff)advised that Bayer may donate
some to you it you ask.
7. Discussion and gossible recommendaflon of nos schedule r Animal Care Services fiscal year 201
Ms.Copeland infDrmed the committee about the handout the packet on the proposed fees. The main point that I will bring to City Council is
going to be asking them to recognize the 3 year vaccine but will not eliminate the 1 year vaccine for rabies.You do need to have the first year
and some people may prefer to do the shots yearly. I am also asking them to do 3 year registrations in conjunction with that and also that
would not eliminate the yearly registration. The low cost vaccination clinic is currently due distemper and bordatella for$5.00 to be raised to
$8.00. The additional items that I am asking to be able to charge for.
Dr.Watson asked about the rabies vouchers. Ms.Copeland rel!ed that wed 't do many of the vouchers anymore because we offer it here.
Dr.Watson that he has gotten vouchers and wanted to know if it will be good for just the 1 year or will it also be given for a 3 year shot and if so
would the client pay the difference. s.Copeland replied yes the customer would pay the difference. Ms.Martinez added that it would have to
have it noted with 3 year where it says type. Ms.Copeland replied that it shouldn't be difficult to put that on the voucher. Dr,Watson added
that with a 3 year vaccine,and then you would want a voucher to cover that. Ms.Copeland added that as we are talking actually we would
consider to sale those a 1 year voucher,it may be too much work. If the animal is impounded and you choose to do get a vaccine from your vet
which we encourage them to do and they would get a 1 year voucher.We would start doing the voucher for$8.00,don't believe there would be
Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting Jarraary 21s`, 2010
a dollar change for you. Ms.Copeland asked Dr.Watson if you make a dollar on that correct. Dr.Watson also added that the payment we
receive from the City is usually around 2 months,We probably come out in the whole on that.
Ms.Beynon asked if we offer the parvo vaccine. Ms.Copeland replied yes that is the arvo-distemper. Ms.Beynon mentioned that you wanted
to go with a 3 year vaccine and registration. H anyone in legal drafted amended language for the ordinance amendments, Ms. Copeland
replied that Ms.Hundley is aware of what we are doing and that would be something that she would do. We are actually working on and I do
extend the invitation to the committee to be a part of working on the ordinances and we have been working on them.Once t the kind of
changes at we would like legal would took at it and work thru it. We would also want you to look at it.Ms Copeland added that to encourage
you,we could use all the help we n get.Please be a part of this with us.
Ms.Copeland also added that at this time with the traps we loan them at no charge but have a deposit that is returned when the trap is brought
back. We are ing to begin to ask for a rental fee of$10.00 that is not refundable. The reason is that we go thru traps like crazy.We buy
them,they get broken, lose them or stolen, v though take the it it is very hard to IL41 a customer that they will not get their
0.00 da sit back. Everyone always has an excuse,it is far wiser that if you need to borrow one of our traps,it will be a rental and don't think
that$101stoomuchloask. The committee agreed in the amount especially when it is kept for a week. Ms.Beynon asked if we were to charge
more when the trap is to r.Buckley commented that the traps would be cleaned and sanitize before renting out again. Do you
have people capable of repairing the traps? Ms.Copeland replied that we do repair them ourselves. Ms.Martinez asked if Mr.Noble did them.
Ms.Copeland replied that you have no idea how much Mr.Noble did here. Mr.Schroeder added that what was stated f that if the trap is
brought back in the same condition$10.OD and if it is brought back dirty$20.00. Dr.Watson added like when you rent a car you bring it back
with a tank of gas,with the trap you bring it back the way you took it out. Ms.Copeland replied that you have to remember that those of you
have been here for the 3 years this has been a slow process of Introducing to the citizens that they awn a responsibility to some of this. When I
arrived here the responsibility was totally on the back of Animal Control and I have worked very hard to change that. We are not here to take
the responsibility for their animals and their pets. The customers still believe that when they come in or call in that they shouldn't have to put a
deposit up and so sometimes we have a hard fime convincing them even of that. They believe that you should just give me a trap.We still have
people in and tell us that they should get the vaccinations for free. It is a slow s and Animal Control gets enough complaints
without something else,and if we don't move slowly it will get overwhelming.
Ms.Copeland added that the next item is the dead animal pick u ,We are proposing 10 for every 3 animals or$30 for every 1 . At this time
there is no charge to the veterinarians. 1 know you are all here and I know that I might want to comments but that might need to wail to the
public comments so I will move along at this time.
Ms.Copeland added that for the cat adoption fees are currently and$38;and the dog fees are$43 and$ 8.Ms. Beynon asked that with
the proposed fees why the female are cats$16.00 more and the female dog only$10.00 more than the male, Ms.Copeland replied that she
was trying to make all the fees equitable,The old fees on the cats are 33 and$38. Ms.Beynon added that you went up twice as much on the
females then you did the mate pets. Ms.Copeland replied at the surgery for spay is more in depth and costly and involved then the surgery
for the males. Ms.Beynon asked then why the dog more isn't. Dr.Watson added that the surgery for the male cats can be done fairly quickly.
The male dog will take you about the same time as a small female dog. Ms.Beynon asked if there was a difference between female dogs and
female cats. Dr,Watson replied no.Ms.Beynon asked if the cat was more complicated or more time consuming then the dog. Ms.Copeland
added that the reason for the dogs is that I was trying to p the fee down to 60;1 was trying not to i them too high. It you want to re look
at them I am open to looking at them again.
Ms.Beynon added that under the present structure the female dog is 10 more than the female cat. Under the new pridng structure instead of
being a$10 difference we have a$4 difference. It just doesn't sound right. Ms.Copeland replied what you think it should be. Ms. Beynon
replied that she would take the amount down to$ 0. Ms.Copeland asked what item down to$50. Ms. Beynon replied the female cats. Dr.
Watson added that he would raise the price on the female dog up. Ms.Copeland replied that she was trying to keep them down,but will bring it
u . Dr.Watson that if you have 3 or 4 large dogs in one day that amount of would put you in the hale without doing anything . Dr,
Watson felt that it should be raised to$7 . Ms.Beynon added that you are proposing a$16 difference between female and male cats and you
still are proposing 10 difference n the female and male dogs. If you look at the euthanasia figures you have a lot of cats you are
putting down. But if the cats go out the door with a happy home and it makes it harder on the girl's right there. Ms.Martinez added that the
female cat should be higher than the male cat. Dr.Buckley asked that how the prices compare with the other shelters.Ms.Copeland replied
that we are less expensive then everyone. Dr. Watson added that he is around $20-40 less than other shelters. You have PALS and the
Humane Society,
Ms. Beynon asked Dr. Watson what is the typical fee to charge for spaying and neuter a cat and a dog. Dr.Watson that the low end for a
female dog is$75.80 and high$200.00. Ms.Copeland added that when we opened the clinic we researched it and in some cases it can get
close to$300.Ms.Beynon asked that when you adopt out you are spay and neutering,v inations and doing the Feline Leukemia on cats and
the head worm check on dogs. That is a lot of money fled up in the animals.Ms.Martinez added that they are i hip too. Dr.Buckley
commented to raise the fees. Ms.Copeland added that you are saying and look at the adoption rate;if we get the fees up too high we are not
going to get the animals out of here. Ms.Beynon added that she felt there was enough crowing about adopt a healthy animal from the city
shelter,rescue a life that will make people feel good. Or by the way all of our animals come vaccinated,spay or neuter along with the micro-
chip. 5o you can find your dog or cat. You have the internet resource, Channel 20. Ms.Copeland replied that we do use the Internet and
Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting Janitary 21sT, 2010
Channel ;we actually have one of the cable channels that do Spa's for u .Fox is also ming in to do Spa's for us. So we are doing all of
that.
Ms.Marfinez that she will verify that people will complain on the fees that we have now. Dr.Watson added that the fees are much higher than
the adoption rates are going u . Ms.Copeland replied that if you are talking about Gulf Coast.Dr.Watson replied that no,there is PALS,Pee
Ewe's. Ms. Copeland replied that she didn't know what Pee Wee's9OO charged. Dr.Watson added that San Patricia County they have their
adoption fees higher then what you are proposing and their adoption rates are going u .Ms.Copeland replied that San Patricia County Animal
Control has higher fees then ours,Ms.Martinez added that they have less chance in there. Dr.Watson added that PALS and Pee 's are
higher. Ms. Copeland replied that then fit have a different clientele and advertising structure. If you are telling me that San Patricio
County adopts out 1 need to find out what they are doing. Dr.Watson added that the last time I asked for help a lot of their help process was
similar to what you have down here. In most cases their adoption rates are going u .A lot of people associate the City with pick up and kill.
But also if your price is too low then you may have people that don't want to bemuse they may wonder what's wrong with it.Does that mean
that the tax payers are paying for it? Ms. Copeland replied that what you are saying that you want to see the adopOon rates go up. Ms.
Beynon added that she felt that something is going to have to come up or go down. Ms.Marfinez also d that it is different from adopting
from a shelter then adopting from Animal Control. Even e I know they don't want to come over here,they don't'want to walk thru the
facility because they know and see someone bringing in a dog it is going to kill them to see it. Most people they want to go to the no kill
facilities. They do not want to support City or shelters. People that are in reme very few will be able to walk thru the facility bemuse they
cannot handle it.Ms.Copeland added that she has worked hard to change that and you right. That perception is going to change easily.
Ms.Lankford for example she 't walk thru and she knows the changes. Ms. Marffnez added that it is g6ing to difficult to change that and
people don't'want to see the little Chihuahua being brought in and would like to take home.They do not want to see It and when I have spoken
to people that walk thru here it is different from the ones that go to the back. The people that adopt are very different from people that are here.
I could adopt a pit bull out to a great home,here can you do that. Ms.Copeland added that you are correct,when someone comes in looking
for a pit bull our antennae up.Ms.Martinez added that when I adopt a Of bull as a lap dog it is a totally different situation. It is a different
mentality from non profit shelters from the City shelters. I see it, I see the changes and a lot of people still they will not come,and there are
some that won't adopt bemuse they feel they are ntributing to the kill instead of helping the life.
Dr,Watson added that with the economic crush and then it may not come close to supporting what Dr.house has for the clinic then maybe he
may not support the programs within. Ms.Copeland replied then what are the recommendations from the committee. Ms.Person suggested
that why don't you put the female dogs it equals the difference in the price for the cat&
Ms.Beynon makes motion to change the 2010 fee for the female dog to$66,Dr.Buckley 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed,
Dr.Watson added that at the same time if you are e ling at a loss where are you going to get the money to support the very animal that
goes out the door and costing you money,that means you have to make up for it somewhere else and right now your not in a posifion to do
that. M .Copeland replied that she was not in disagreement that she was good with that.
Ms.Copeland added the next item is the permits, I included all of the fees for the permits that you n see that I upped the department store
and brought down the grooming shops.The reason for that is that the department stores have animals that they are selling keep them over
night and for periods of time just like a pet store. The pet store is$50. The grooming shop on the other hand they are not in the business of
keeping animals overnight,they are there long enough to be cut and leave.It didn't make sense to make them pay the fee of the and that is
why l changed that around. Ms.Beynon asked that the fees for guard dogs,kennels,and stables. I am assuming that the guard s are the
guard training facility.Someone that brings guard s in,boards them,trains them. s.Copeland replied that we have no one permitted
that have guard dogs in the city.l put that in there because it is part of the fees and I wanted you to see it. One of the things that we are going
to be looking at in the ordinance it heth that is necessary or not. Ms.Beynon asked about the three that have the sliding scale,the
guard dogs, kennels and stables, what are the sliding scales on. Ms.Copeland replied that she didn't know these are fees that the
previous advisory board came up with. Dr.Watson added that it had to do with the size.Ms.Person added that it could be the amount of the
animals.
Ms.Beynon asked that when people submit fora permit,especially a new it or the renewal do you' A 's go out and inspect the facility.
Ms.Copeland replied yes but you need to know and it is something we have discussed since I have been here is that permits are very difficult
for us. Because of having the time to go out and do the inspections,they are a lot of the facilities in the city that are not permitted. I have
assigned staff regularly to go out and follow up with these people but it is a slow s.The ones that are permitted for the most part,year
after year are the ones that come in and say here is I am paying my fees.We go out and take a look and it's over with. We have a stack that
we have mailed pennits applications to that haven't even responded to them. We know that we can do better on the permits but it's a slow
process.
Dr.Watson added that if you have them fill out the application,pay it and then shake them up to do it.Ms.Copeland added that it is only a little
better.The only reason is because we regularly bail them out.Mr.Gould is in charge of doing that. Ms.Copeland added that right now our calls
are under 100,but when you have 400 calls in a box a permit is not going to take precedence over getting the sty calls handled.The calls are
getting under control and are aiming to do likewise with the permits.
Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting January 21", 2010
Ms.Beynon asked when this would be going to city council. Ms.Copeland replied that we would like your recommendation and then we will put
it on for. Ms. Rose interjected that we would need to get the ordinance t together and if you are interested in reviewing the ordinance we
would need to have a special meefing or send it out to them.But it can be hard when you send it out because then you do not have the feed
back. So you would probably need to have a special meeting if you want to see the ordinance.
Dr.Watson added that we have people for comments and if we pass a proposal without listening to the comments and have been here for an
hour it's not fair to them. Dr.Watson added that we uld hear their comments on the dead animal pick up.
Dr.Heaton asked that we have clients come in and we put their animal to sleep for them.Then we II you have the pick up for the animal,it's
hard because some of their pets die at home. So sometimes you have a large volume of animals out of courtesy of the emotion of the person.
I have always felt that if we sell the city licenses,I will keep the clients because their f lins and not having them to bring their dog down here,.
How soon do you n on doing this? What if we have 4 instead of 3,how will things that be worked,just picking them up in groups of 3. We do
have a big freezer and it can gel full. Ms.Copeland replied that when the officer goes out and picks them up that at the time they document
how many you can either write the check or we can bill you. It would be easier if you were able to write the check at that time.The other
possibility is if it were to go under solid waste.I know that there are e that don't have a lot of space to keep a lot of animals. How many are
you able to keep,Dr,Heaton replied that it depends on how many are cremated and how many we take for an owner, We may have 2 to 7 in a
pick up. I try to hold them to a certain point and then call to pick u . It would be hard to keep 12 at a time.
Ms,Copeland added that the fee for the 12 animals is for the ones who have the ability to hold that many. We traditionally have been picking
up more or if someone wants to that it's cheaper to do them in larger numbers. Dr.Heaton added that we will probably pass the fee on to the
owner but the main concern is the spay neuter vouchers,there are fimes that the voucher nu doesn't match up and the check we get,it
doesn't belong to us and have to send it back, If it is going to create as much chaos as the spay neuter vouchers have as to what we have
gotten reimbursed and what we haven't it will be chaos. Ms.Copeland asked how many vouchers do you receive. Dr. Heaton replied that
some years a small amount and others up to 10-15. You have your veterinarian now there are so few that we receive.Ms.Copeland asked
if you still have problems with the invoices matching up. Dr.Heaton replied that it's not hard to handle but its one more ing to deal with and if
we have to do this every time we have a dead animal pick up if there was a voucher involved. But if it is a pay as you o then it should be fine.
Dr. Hughes pointed Gut that my situation is different I have a large freezer. a usually have 10-12 when call. Ms.Copeland asked how
any times we go Gut. Dr. Hughes replied at maybe once a month and asked Ms.Copeland if she received the letter he sent.Ms.Copeland
replied that she hadn't seen a letter but I know you were at the meeting. Dr.Hughes added that as Dr.Heaton said that we will pass the fee on
to the client and if you pass this then we will abide by it.But I feet like the people that are better pet owners are going to be the ones bearing the
burden as opposed to those who let their pets roam and they get hit in the street then you have to take them. It would be easier to pick them up
14-12 at a time or go to 10-12 iffe nt locations picking u in various degrees of their appearance. Or you have some that will put them in the
green dumpster. It is solid waste, you ul and I have suggested this you could tack on a certain amount to the solid waste bill or more
reasonably raise the price of the city registrations and these fees are low in comparison to other cities. You said you would raise more money
by adding a dollar to the city license fee then you would by doing this. Then if you made the city licenses easier for us to sell,although wed 't
sell them. Are we still able to get the city envelopes,Ms.Copeland replied yes? Dr.Hughes added that we have them fill them out and send
them to you. If you are looking at a revenue then you l much better off in raising the price of the licenses,If you ise the price
of both. It someone buys a 3 year license they get punished because you pay more for the 3 year then if you buy them individually. So
passively you are ing people that who don't really take care of their pets. Because they pay nothing. If the pay it thru the solid waste
then that would go thru public utilities. If there was n increase of even to.50 cents to the solid waste bill would raise a substantial amount.
I wanted to reinforce the thoughts I have had. If it was easier for us to sell the licenses I would do that.There was some discussion about
separate fees for the same thing with the one year and 3 year. You might have neutered or not,or just have one fee whether or not they are
fixed. If you had one fee for example$12.1 would pay$15 for 3 years. I feel you would see a bigger increase.
Dr.Heaton added that if you are going to promote this to your city employees and you are going to give them an advantage to this or that.Why
not give them some incentive from adopting from their own city shelter. it's not going to take away from the other shelters. If you are going to
give them the incentive,there have been times in the past where we are t of the city books or envelopes we let them n that you can still
mail it in or go down the Animal Control and purchase your tags there. I cannot tell you how many of our knowledgeable pet owners didn't know
that this facility sits right here. If you have some nice commercial that or adverfisement that lets you n at this Mace is here it would help.
Ms.Copeland replied that we do have them,thru the news,Grande television,and the newspaper. We do a Wednesday afternoon adopt a pet,
we are out there but there are a lot of the people that do not pay allenUon. It would be nice If we could get their attention, Dr.Heaton added
that maybe some type of incentive use if you are gang to give the city employees all of the incentives,maybe you give them the incentive
to adopt from eir own. Ms.Copeland replied that we have a whole lot of ideas in addition to what is here. Dr.Heaton added that if they adopt
from here,there license or their rabies. If you are going to give them all of these things maybe some kind of incentive from adopting from their
n city.
Dr.Watson interjected in reference to the time allowed for comments and asked the other public if they wanted to speak.Mr.Kinney introduced
himself as an employee of Animal Hospital of Padre Island and that they sell the city license. It is extra work,for clients they do appreciate that
we do instead of having to mail it in and are not sure how long it takes.In the past it would take 6 weeks or longer to get their tags.They would
call us and say where are my tags.Mr.Kinney did add that this was during a period of time when he was working at Banfeld with Petsmarl and
we would have the envelopes. Ms. Copeland did reply that we have included that we had gotten the call center's assistance to get them
ytini l Coyarol Advisory Coinnditee a tin afitr 1", 2010
entered into the computer. When you get in 200 sometimes it can take a while to get them into the computer. We now have it down to about
to 6 weeks of the wait. Ms.Copeland also added that we have been looking into some software that could be ublized between us and with the
vets online with this at their offices. It would be them also teaming a new process.So we actually have been talking around the idea that if we
n get the website fixed that maybe it would be easier for the vets to go online and put the information in there.
Dr. Buckley added that that could add a lot of time to the processing of the office.Ms.Copeland replied that if they are already filling out the
forms and if they fill it out on the computer at least with the customer it would happen quicker. Ms.Taube asked if she could explain that when
people mail the envelopes and I take a call here why I haven't I received y tags,when I talk to the people so many of them do not realize that
the envelope comes directly here. We exialain the process that it goes to city hall first where the payment is processed and then delivered to us,
we ter the tag;it goes back to city hall and mailed out from there. There are times that people send in the rabies certificate and have not
sent the payment or in reverse of that,then we have to send it back to them letting them know what was left out. We let them know they can
either mail it in or slop by to purchase the tag. Dr.Buckley mentioned that they got theirs back fairly quick when doing theirs online,although
we got them back in 2 separate envelopes when it could have been just one. Ms. Copeland replied yes that was a waste of postage. Ms.
ynon asked it they were i to put them in separate envelopes or can you put them in together. Ms.Copeland replied that they Could
t them in the same envelope. Ms. Beynon added that some departments are required to send them separately. Ms.Copeland replied that
they are not.Ms.Taube added that she is the one to retrieve the Information from the website and print out each e so the tag will be issued.
If you have 3 animals so I will put all of the receipts and tags in one envelope myself,someone else may have done something different. Ms.
Copeland added that we have new staff and just teaming.
Mr.Schroeder asked about the city ordinance,do we need to put that on the agenda.Ms.Copeland asked if we could do that.Ms.Rose replied
that yes but unless you want to have a special meeting before if it is done before.
7 Public Comments
No public comments.
8. Ideriffy Items to be placed on a next agenda
Mr.Sch r er asked for the review of the City Ordinance;and asked if we were going to look at the fees anymore or any else need to be done.
Ms.Copeland i that I will do the ones that you have suggested and asked if they wanted to talk about the dead animal pick u .
Mr.Schroeder asked about an update on the schedule off 's. Ms.Copeland replied that for the fee's,the adoption Ws I will do that,but it
you want me to give you something different on the dead anbmai pick up you need to give me some input on your wanting. Ms.Beynon added
that the public present brought up some good afiernaflvesa the idea is it possiVe to tack on a surcharge to solid waste. I don't know at myself,
but the idea of raising the license fee and adoptions.Can you get that designated for certain things, I don't know that myself. Ms.Copeland
asked that if you want to give me some questions that you would like me to come back prepared to answer for you at the next meeting.
Dr.Watson added that the fee's of the department goes to the city it doesn't go to the individual departments.Ms.Copeland added that it goes
to the general fund, Dr.Watson also added that the city staff about concern that approaching counsel of any type of rate increase.Ms.Rose
added that it would cause a city a new tax. Dr.Watson added that it would something to come thru in an increase in the license fees rather
solid then t fees. Ms.Beynon added that with hearing that we didn't get to go to your meeting,and wish we could use it sounds like it
would have been a good meeting and answered u tions that we had. Dr.Watson added that we have a good base to start with for now. Dr.
Hughes added that if you are going to start with the dead animal peck up it would be easier if you started with a round dollar,may -4 dollars
r animal instead of per 3 or whatever. Dr.Watson also at it could be a fee per call,Dr Hughes added that it may be better for me
and not as good for some others because they won't have as many, Dr,Hughes asked when the fiscal year was, Ms.Copeland replied that it
begins August 1 W. Ms.Rose replied that we would really like the rates to affect as soon as possible,but as long as it takes to get it done but as
soon as we can.
Ms.Copeland again asked if there were any questions that you would like me to bring answers for at the next meeting. Dr,Watson asked about
the possibility of Increase in office fees instead of dead animal pick up and if not how much of an increase of fees would be needed to offset the
cost of the dead animal pick up.
Dr.Buckley asked about the possibility of a consolidation of the adoption fee's as opposed to a 2 tier structure fee. Ms, Beynon asked if he
meant the license fee. Dr.Buckley replied yes the[cense fee. Ms, Beynon asked with your profession,with your medical society, have you
come up with a proposed,some vets maybe better per visit and some per animal, Dr.Watson replied no but last year Dr.Win °osa and asked
her to fax it to me and never received it.Dr.Hughes asked if that was from the meeting downtown.Dr.Watson replied no. Ms.Co and added
that maybe there is a problem with the email because l have had a lot of issues,Dr.Heaton asked when you sent this to her.Dr.Watson replied
in November. Dr.Hughes added that I got it from her and then the communication from you. Dr.Watson added that this is one when I asked
specifically a t the fees. Dr.Heaton asked it was specifically a t fees because she didn't get it. Dr.Watson added that he got one specific
interest in the license fees and dead animal because those are the 2 that affect us the most. Dr.Hughes added that he had gotten something
in reference to the dead animal. Dr.Heaton mentioned that it would be passed to the new person,because she was out early on bed rest
with a pregnancy. Ms.Copeland replied that it could be an email issue,because the one you gave me,then she emailed me and could only get
it on my ail and not the city mail,and even on the g- all.I couldn't get anything to go thru to her.
Aninial Control Advisory Coninduee eeti art ~ 21st, 2010
Ms.Beynon added that she would be curious,and thank you all for coming in the middle of your busy day. It would be nice to know how the
veterinary community feels.You do take care of our animals and we appreciate it.Ms. Martinez that with the County Committee that I had to
find out who and finally called and they said it was Dr.Hebert. Dr.Watson also made mention of Dr.Hin `osa,
Ms,Rose asked Dr.Watson that it would be helpful because once this goes to council we need the veterinary there and obviously you would
need to be the as representation. Because we are not just trying to push this thru,we want to make sure everyone is on board.We may not
all agree when its all done,but it is a process.
Ms,Beynon added that you may come up with a new idea that we would not think of. Dr Hughes that there vets and not many of them
were in favor of having the fee for dead animal pick u ,we discussed much you would make by raising the price of the city license by$1.00
but talk of the vets that were present.
Ms.Beynon asked that if we instituted a dead animal pick up or raised the license fees all that money would go into the general fund,and the
counters figure out where it came from and what programs are paying for themselves.
A&Lmment
Mr.Schroeder made a motion to adjourn, r.Buckley 2"d the motion at in favor motion passed.
Animal Control Advisory Committee Meethig January 21", 2010