Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 02/18/2010 1110ma cam APR 0 2�019 i ho� cc C&Y -o f SECS City of arpus Christi Y's MINUTES OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Nueces County Public Health District Education Room, 2626 Holly Rd The Minutes for February 181h, 2010 Members Present: Dr.Bill Watson,Dr.John Buckley,Bill Schroeder,Cheryl Martinez,Samantha Person,Helen Sterbach and Barbara ynon Members Absent: none Staff Present: Kelli Copeland,Annette Rodriguez Staff Absent: none Guests: none 1. Call to Order Dr.Watson called them ting to order at 12-30. A. Dr.Watson noted that everyone was present for the meeting. B. Dr.Buckley informed the committee that he would not be at the next meeting due to business. I Discussion and Dossible Approval of Minutes January 21!,2010 Ms.Person amended the minutes on pg.5,par.4; It reads Ms. ynon asked that with the proposed fees why the female cats are$16 more and the female dog only$10 more than the male.It should read Ms.Person as giving this statement. Mr.Schroeder made the motion to approve the amended minutes,Dr.Buckley 210 the motion all in favor motion passed 3. Discussion and possible Apgroval of Absences ftom January 219,t 201 DL Watson stated that there were no absences to approve. 4. Discussion of Monthly Repo ds A. Zoonosis Report Dr.Buckley pointed out that the report was primarily on bats. There was a discussion of the rabies bailing program. Dr.Buckley also added information on rehabber's still strike breeding. They cannot take in foxes,coyotes or wolves and that is a rule of the Health Department and also Parks and wild life. Dr.Buckley also added that in all the years he has been reading this all the reports for rabies have been bats.But I believe that restriction came down in 1995 when they started the baiting program. Ms. ynon asked where it came down from. Dr.Buckley replied that it came down from Public Health on the state level and then from Parks and Wild Life.But the letters that came out to the rehabbers those came from the state health department. There are some people that are still taking in foxes. B. Shaker Report Ms.Copeland pointed out to the committee is to thank Ms.Taube for spending 2 hours last night at home on the minutes. Mr.Baggling was out on vacation and it was difficult to find the time to do that at the front desk.We do apologize for them being late but she was able to get them out. Animal Coparol Advisory Committee Meeting February 18'4, 2010 Ms.Copeland informed the committee report on the numbers for the shelter. There were a total of 2,359 calls for service for the month of January. There were 746 incoming animals and 7%of them were return to owner which is up by 1%from January 2008,65%was euthanized and that was the same the year before. The adoptions are at 6%from %from last year. Ms.Copeland felt that had a lot to do with the fad that we had r.Noble here. He was able to work the schools and the volunteer m.Ms.Copeland felt that since Ms. Martinez has been on the board again and has taken an active interest including us in some of the things she has done. may not see like a lot but it really is. If we continue to increase it can't be anything but good. Ms.Copeland informed the committee that the renaming cerermny for the shelter took place yesterday. The event went very well we had a very tumout.The mayor was here and also former mayor was also here as well as some of our council men and women. There was also presentative from Salomon Ortiz office and they presented the widow of Mr.Villarreal with a commendation. The states appreciation for what Mr.Villarreal has done and we are u ch honored that we now bear his name. Ms.Copeland asked if anyone noticed the sign out front,it even lights up at night. Ms.Martinez informed the committee that Ms.Martinez spoke at the council meeting.Not on behalf of the shelter but more on behalf the Humane Legislation Network. The reason that I am bringing this up is that there was good feedback from the public on this. It brought some n attention to the shelter. The issues of are vacant positions and was glad to see that. Dr.Buckley asked where we at are with the vacant positions. Ms.Copeland replied that we have 3 positions. There are 2 full positions which are the Health Education Officer and a kennel staff,There are also 2 part time positions, There was one pad time position frozen and they took one of the full time vet techs in the clinic and made it part time. In order to make the clinic to be able to work what I did was flip it around,I took a position out of the kennels and put it in the clinic so the part time is in the kennels. This is the way we are dealing with it at this time. I 't have the staff to help him in there and it is too confusing to take a body and split those shifts up and tell them to work pad of the time in one place and then another place with the other hours. You have someone that sees you and says I need you so it is easier to keep them in one place. Dr.Buckley asked about the field staff. s.Copeland rl!ed that the field staff is full. What happens is we will bring them in from the field to help us with thanasia due to being short. The fact is being short effects us all the way around. Ms.Copeland added that Mr.Zapata will be in part of the day tomorrow to help with the euthanasia. Dr.Buckley added that rattle snake has been moved.M&Beynon asked where it was kept here. Ms.Copeland replied they are kept in Ms.Schenzel'office and sometime they are kept in the BIG cat room. C. Clinic Report Ms.Copeland informed the committee that the low cost vaccination clinic was dosed the past 2 Monday's in an effort to save us some y. It will be reopened this Monday.Also Dr.House will be out of office from March 1u-1 a. We are hoping that will save us some money. With last year's budget they cut it before they ever approved it. So it is really making it tight to make it but I believe we will be able to survive. But just know that it is Eight. The total numbers for spay and neuter for the month of January was 124. Ms.Beyrion asked if there has been any discussion for next year's budget on cutting the clinic back.Ms.Copeland replied that we are working on next year's budget and are opin that we won't have to cut anything back. Ms,Copeland added that if you all could speak up and let city until know how important it is. Dr.Buckley asked about items under bite cam;there were 2 unknown un-restralned and then under other you have 26,what are the ones under other. Ms.Copeland replied probably bats. I also spoke to someone about the duplication on the unknown restraint.I keep trying to remove it.Mr.Noble wasn't having any luck and I am not the computer person that he is. But I have asked Chameleon to work on getting it out. Dr.Buckley asked it it was a program like Excel. Ms.Copeland replied it is a crystal report thru our Chameleon. I believe it is something I did,but it will get figured out and removed. I don't know why I introduced the unknown restraint in there, Other then maybe I was trying to determine how many dogs were louse at the time they were biften but obviously I messed up the report. Ms.Copeland added that the others are usually bats and when I came here they were not sending many off for testing, I requested that any t that was down shouldn't be disposed of it needs to be tested. I believe that I reported fast time that our percentages haven't gone u .We are at the%of the 1 %that we are supposed to be. Dr.Buckley reminded the committee about the bug we sent off to be tested;it came back positive for Chagas. Apparently UT is doing research and looking at the distribution on Chaga's disease.I have been In touch with the researchers that are doing this. 5. Discussion Possible Recommendation of i t Care Services Fee Schedule Ms.Copeland informed the committee an answer to the 2 things you asked of me. The first one was that you wanted me to change the fee on the adoption for females to W.00. Then you additionally asked me to change the amount on the city registration tag in pace of charging for dead animal pick u .We also discussed going ahead and making a charge$1.00 per animal. I went ahead and did that in here. The problem that I am having is determining how much we would have made on the dead animal pick up is based upon the fact that the call center o n'I always take the name of the caller. If Oso Creek is calling us to have a pick up for dead animals,if the call center is not putting their name in 2 Aiiiitial Cowrol Advisory r ratte e Meeti?ig Febritary by as the caller and all they do is give the officer an address to go to then what occurs is,is that when I run a report I will not get accurate numbers. I had to go thin activities and look at each individual activity associated with the different clinics, Ms.Copeland added that t came up with an estimate on this and it is a rough estimate because unless I can get the call center to take the names of the callers I won't be able to get an accurate number. It looks like that it would be between$8-9k on the dead animal pick up for a year from the veterinarians. If you add an extra 1 it would -1 if we increase the license fee. The problem that I have with doing that is that the citizens are already subsidizing and I know that the veterinarians disagree with that. But it comes down to semantics far as I am concerned. If you charge$ 5 and I know the veterinarians have overhead;but it doesn't cost to eutanize an animal. I don't think it is fair to the citizens,if I think we should be charging fees;do you want to be$1 per animal as opposed to bulk rate. That would be good too and we could do that.But I feel that we need to be charging rather than the license increase. I can put a license increase if you want me to do that. I just don't think that the license increase should be associated with the dead animal pick up. I don't think that's fair,traditionally the licenses really are more geared towards responsible ownership,spay neuter then they are for the dead animal. That is not what the purpose of that is. But I will gladly listen to you debate and the discussion you have on that issue. Those are the 2 items that you asked me in regards to the fees and those are the answers I have for you.I would really like to see you look at the fees today and go ahead and agree and make the recommendation to city council so I can get this on the agenda. Ms.Martinez reiterated that the 1 per animal would bring in about 9k per year.Ms.Copeland replied yes.Ms.Martinez also added that when the funds come in and deposited into the general fund but it is itemized in the general ledger where it is gang to. Ms.Copeland replied yes, Ms.Martinez added that there never has en a fee for dead animal pick up until now.Ms.Copeland added that we do have a veterinarian that has decided to start bringing his animals in here. We knew we were getting an increase in the animals that were being dropped off. Ms.Young came in one night and noticed that not only there was an increase but that the bodies were warm,So she was very concerned,she notified a and sat back and waited and started watching.She met the vet that was doing it,he was very glad to know that we noticed that they were . You never know if something could be going on. So obviously is aware and decided that it is not something that they can afford. Ms.Martinez asked that they can do that at no charge.Ms.Copeland replied yes at no charge. Dr.Watson informed the committee that there was veterinarian meeting last week.Some of the older wets wanted me to remind the city that back when ML Jeff Beynon was in charge of Animal Control that the dead animal pick up was agreed to be free with the City with the veterinarians selling the city licenses.That was the deal at that time.Dr.Watson said they wanted me to voice that and most of the vets have quit selling the licenses u of the billing process.As far as the dead animal pick up they don't mind it but they do not want to be billed for it.They don't want to worry about it and have the city involved where you get billed for it B months later. You don't want to worry about having to keep track of the dead animals and go back to match the bill. Ms.Copeland agreed and I believe that we have discussed that before, Dr.Watson also stated that most of them would like to see the increase of the fee in the licenses.There is one question in regards to the license;they want to know why with a 3 year license you get penalized. With the fee at this time for recommendation the 3 year is$ . If you buy a license every year then it's only$1 ,you are getting charged$5 extra for a 3 year license. They would be better off owing in every year instead of paying for a 3 year license. .Copeland replied that the reason why is we did not make any increase in the general 1 year license but we did on the 3 year. If you would rather me go back in the other direction l can do that. Dr.Watson added that it seems like you are having the man power for every year for them coming in every year. Ms.Copeland replied that it's reversed,it is something the citizen doesn't have do except for every 3 years. If this is something you would like to see I can change that. Dr.Watson also stated that for the charge on dead animal pick-up they would like to see it per animal instead of the 3 for$10. If they have animals they would have to lose the animal or hold 2 over. Ms.Copeland added that she did make the change, Dr,Watson also added that with the payment that it should be with check no cash by the request of the veterinarians. Ms.Copeland agreed that she didn't want staff to take cash. Dr.Buckley added that he felt 1 per animal seems a lot easier to track as opposed to the other way. Dr.Watson added that with the vouchers sometimes it takes up to 6 months to get back. Ms.Copeland asked if they wanted to discuss if they want the registration fe redone. Ms.Rodriguez had question in reference to the grooming shops,did that go down or is it an error. Ms.Copeland replied that if you notice there were 2 fees and don't recall what they were but I swapped just to keep the consistency. The grooming shops 't keep animals overnight and also the department stores not so that is why I lowered the fee on that. If you have a shop that is maintaining animals overnight then those are$50 fees then you have the department stores that are 25 and they maintain animals ovemiht which is why I switched both of those. Dr.Buckley pointed out that we have solved the issue on the adoption fees. ML Schroeder added that as dr.Watson stated with the licenses that it is cheaper to go every year rather than pay for a 3 year license;maybe if we charge$12.00 for it. Ms.Copeland added that maybe having an animal is not necessarily a right but maybe I have financial issues that it is just easier to do a 1 year. We don't want to eliminate people from ing able to get their pets registered. Dr.Watson added that if someone wants to pay one time for the 3 years they shouldn't be penalized. Dr.Buckley added why not make the f $12,the 3 times 12 would be$36,its$1 more. 11 you o up that amount on the 10 and then make the$3 at$4. Ms.Copeland verified for the 12 and on the 1 year and then what are you saying for the 3 year. Dr.Buckley replied that if you up the 1 year fee,then it saves them$1,the price of the stamp or whatever the price. It would be less of a hassle in the long run,I would probably take advantage of the 3 year vaccine. The advantage of the 1 year vaccine is getting your yearly check up at the same time,although everyone should be getting their pet an annual checkup and especially if your pet is older.We have a 22 year old cat. ni t l Control Advisory Committee Meeting e e h, 2010 Dr.Watson asked about the price for a 3 year altered animal for license registration. Ms.Martinez added that if you leave the prices on the 3 year then just change the 1 year to the$12 and$4. Dr.Watson added that will put us back in the same boat,if you have a 3 year vaccine and need a yearly license every years. Ms.Beynon made note that we have to have the rabies and the registration we need to go and alter the ordinance. s.Copeland replied that she believes the ordinance reads and Ms.Martinez may remember differently and if it doesn't we are gang to change it. That it needs to be consistent with the state. That is the way I have done it in the past.Ms.BeynDn added that it says annual.Ms.Copeland replied that we will change it;it's very simple and we don't have to mess with it again because we are in sync with whatever the state says. Ms,Beynon added that where I was going with this is how long it is going to take legal to correct an amended ordinance. s.Copeland replied that it shouldn't e difficult at all.If you Wit agree to recommend this I will see Ms.Hundley about this and will get it done before we go to City Council with fees. Ms.Beynon asked when you n on gang to City Council with the fees. Ms.Copeland replied s.Rose stated last month that it would be fore the next meeting. Ms.Beynon added that when you what the date is please let us know.We can't go down and support you if we don't know what's going on.Ms.Copeland replied that she believes she lets everyone know when the support is needed with the city council but I will make sure you get the notification on it. Dr.Watson asked if the changes had n made for the dead animal pick u . Ms.Copeland replied that she already changed it to the$1;1 thought that's what you wanted to do and provide you with the information. It has been changed to the$1.00 fee. Dr.Buckley noted that with the rabies shots we were slightly penalized wit h the 1 and 3 year vaccine by$1.00. This will be the type of thing that some people will make an issue about it. Ms.Copeland replied it was int out before it is really better to get them in on a yearly basis then it is on a 3 year basis then at least they are getting their animal checked t. Do you all want me to change this? Ms.Beynon asked how much the cost difference the vaccine is. Ms.Copeland replied that there is no cost difference on the vaccine. Dr.Watson also added that the 3 year is more expensive than the 1 year. Dr.Watson added that the main reason people uses a 1 year is the reacODns some of the animals may get are less likely with the 1 year then the 3 year. Ms.Copeland also k that the first shot should be a 1 year. Dr.Watson replied that a puppy you have to come back and get another shot in 1 year.It is similar to like when babies get their DPT.When you get the vaccinations for your pet you need to get the whole series so it will build up the immunity.Dr.Buckley added that maybe it would make more since to charge 9 for the 1 year.Ms.Copeland asked if that is what you all would like to be done. Dr.Watson added that most people would go for the 3 year,99%of people come thru the door and the ones that don't have a specific case.They are not going to argue with you and most of them are not going to be coming to the City anyway. They are more concerned about the health of the animal.Dr.Watson added that he felt the 9 would be a fair price.Dr.Buckley added that in the long run might give you more traffic for the vaccination clinics. Dr. Watson added that there are a lot of them that won't come back for some of the other shots that they need more often,Ms.Copeland asked if you all are in agreement for the increase to be at$9.00,. Dr.Buckley asked about the distemper and other shots are they available for a 3 year shot. Dr.Watson replied that for dogs the parvo- distemper is but it is nsive. It is about 3%times the cost of the yearly.Mr,Schroeder commented about the adoption fees that when you present this to council the price may be seen as too high but they may not be aware of what you are getting for that money.It would be a good Idea to let them know what all they are getting for that price and they are a of the microchip and not just an adoption fee. Dr.Watson asked if anyone else had any items for discussion. Ms,Copeland replied that it everyone is y then I ask that you make motion. Mr.Schroeder made a motion on the recommended change for fees,Dr,Buckley 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed. 6. Review and iusi of revisions to Chapter 6 of the Cfty of C Christi Code of Ordinances,Animal Care Control Dr.Watson made mention that this item for discussion may be for the change in the 3 year vaccine.Ms.Copeland replied that the reason I asked for this to be put in and I had to talked to you all before about this, With the changes that are being made and wanted again to extend the invitation to join us in making these changes. It does include the rabies,feral cat colonies,definition changes and the breeder permit. Ms. Copeland added that Ms.Martinez has spoken to the kennel club and they will give us some input on the information for the breeder it. Ms.Beynon asked when would this happen. Ms.Copeland replied that we have been working on it.You are welcome to come in to the office and work on it,we can schedule a special meeVng and everyone can get together and discuss it. Dr.Buckley asked if Ms.Taube could send copies of it out to us, Ms.Copeland replied yes, Ms.MarVnez said it is different from the last time it was done. Ms.Copeland added that is on a watermarked draft,Dr.Buckley replied that the draft would be fine because then we would have an idea of what everyone has been discussing. For example on the breeder permit and how that would concern me directly is for the exotics and reptiles, r.Watson added that when they drafted the last ordinance there was a hold ups on the breeder permit. Ms.Martinez added that With different people in place some may think differently,ME,see Dr,Watson also added that it took 3 meetings to iron it out,everything else was fine but the breeder permit took that long. Ms.Beynon added isn't that going back to the fees. Were you going to go in and ask council to amend the ordinance to allow the 3 year registration or are going to wait for 1 bg package which would take time because it will be protested I know it will,especially with the breeder permits. Ms.Copeland replied that we are moving forward with the fees now. Ms.Beynon idnr l Cowrol Advisory Coninduee eet r br 1 r', 2010 so the item for the 3 year registration that will be a separate a ndent that will go thru quickly,would we able to see this also. Ms.Copeland replied that she would be glad to send this to you,my question is would you like us to hold up taking it to City Council in order to get the support on that. That is just legal issues. Ms.Beynon replied that she didn't want any other ordinance revisions to hold that u . M&Copeland replied that it won't,we are talking about 2 separate issues even though they are both ordinance.One is a revision and re-write of the ordinance,the other is an amendment to what we already have. Dr.Watson asked if we are going to re do the ordinance are we going to allow people to sell rabbits. Ms.Copeland replied that you have added something here that I am not aware of. Dr.Watson replied that in the past you are allowed is animals,the rabbits were exempt from the 6 s.Copeland asked If there was a reason that they were exempt from it. Dr.Watson it was written in the original ordinance and it was put in there because the city did not want to definition of the business. Apparently when the original ordinance written;raising rabbit s was a viable operation here in Corpus. When we talked about nobody wanted to change it.Ms.Copeland replied that she would have to look at the ordinance,I wasn't aware of such an ordinance.Dr.Watson added that it was one of the few things held over from the original ordinance, When we asked that question from the board the answer from the City came back that they didn't want to get Involved use it was too hard to distinguish those who were raising the rabbits. Ms.Copeland added that she believes that the City is already in the business of regulating businesses.Dr.Watson pointed out that there are not that many commercial rabbit populations here in Corpus Christi anymore. 7. Review,and Discussion of Pet a Taxi Ms,Copeland pointed out to the committee that she had put the item on the agenda because she couldn't remember what was discussed before. r.Schroeder replied that we were going over the approval and if we were ready to go thaVs why I didn't do anything more because it was on the agenda. I wanted to make sure if it's acceptable we can go ahead. Ms.Martinez asked if when they put the pictures on you n t the pets name on there. Mr.Schroeder replied yes but you don't want to t'in memory of it would be just the name of the pet.The name n be added on a 20 x 20 and he said we could get that for$20,00. If we charge then the rest could go towards the operational. Ms. Martinez asked if the funds could go for something here at Animal Control or do they have to go into the general fund.Ms.Copeland replied that we can set up a special fund and those funds will go to purchase the generator,an air conditioner for the office area and other items needed for the project in general. We could purchase kennels;we are hoping that the fire department will be able to help us with the kennels. This was one of the projects that Mr.Noble was working on. Mr.Schroeder pointed out that we could put it on but it looks better when they put it on because they do it all the time but what I was going to say if you have the ability that someone would be able to drive it over to the location so things could be put on and be picked up that afternoon. The location is in the Flour Bluff area. Ms.Copeland replied yes we can arrange that and also n we move forward and try to let people know they can do this. Mr.Schroeder replied that he would get this going in the next few weeks then when it comes back we will have an idea how it works. Mr.Schroeder a that he was going to start off with his 3 pets to start it. Ms.Martinez added that way we would be able to show people what it will look like on the vehicle. Mr.Schroeder asked if we decided how many would go on the vehicle. Ms.Copeland didn't remember but when we do advertise we will let people know that we are limited and it would a first come basis. Mr.Schroeder added that he would get things set up and then we will be able to coordinate things and get everything started. Public Comments No public comments. 9 IdenM items to be placed on a negLLgenda Ms.Martinez asked if we are able to put new business on the agenda.Ms.Copeland replied no,we received an email. You will notice the change in the agenda which me from legal and this is the format that we are to use.Ms.Martinez asked about old business. Ms.Copeland reiterated that this is the format and whatever topic is discussed from the past or a new item would be worded accordingly. Ms.Martinez asked that for the next agenda an update on the Vaccination Clinic and how that is gang.Ms.Martinez asked if they thought the Pet Taxi would be ready by the next meeting. Mr.Schroeder replied that he was hoping it would be.It is on his computer so I just need to let him know that we are ready. He did mention that it is better if the picture is in a format. Ms.Martinez added that it probably depends on how busy he Is and how many he gets at once. Mr.Schroeder replied that it doesn't take long;he puts it in there and p4nts it out. Ms.Martinez asked if it could be emailed. Mr.Schroeder r i yes if you have paid for it and could email it to him. Ms.Martinez stated that the citizens are going to pay the City and the City will pay him.Mr.Schroeder r i yes out of the fund. Ms.Person asked if we email the picture does it need to be a certain pixel. Mr.Schroeder replied that he would ask but they are very good and if they needed he can clean it up or photo shop. Ms.Martinez asked if it was just going to be on one side. Ms.Copeland added that we should alternate the sides. Mr.Schroeder added that if you have more than one they can be put together.If they come in individually would like to see the family next to each other. Ms.Martinez asked if we would be taking it to locations to advertise or having it in the front of the shelter. Ms. Copeland replied yes,we could take it to the beach,spring break,any event in the City we could take it to,the Mutt Strufl. 1 . AftLmment Ms.Martinez made a motion to adjourn,Ms.Sterbach 2^d the motion all in favor motion passed. Animal Cotitrol Advisory Conindtlee e tzn brn 1 h, 2010