HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 05/20/2010 : RE El ED
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City of orpus Christi
MINUTES OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Nueces County Public Health District
Education Room, 2626 Holly Rd
The Minutes for May 20th, 2010
Members Present: Dr. Watson, Cheryl Martinez, Samantha Person, Dr, Buckley, Bill Schroeder, Barbara Beynon and
Helene Sterbach
MembGrs Absent: none
Staff Present: Cindy Ramos,Mike Hacker
Staff Absent: Kelli Copeland
Guests: Chris Taylor
11. Call to Order:
Dr.Watson called the meeting to order at 112:30.
2. Discussion and possible Approval of Minutes from April 215%2010
Mr.Taylor advised the committee that he was deaf and asked if Dr.Watson could speak up.Dr.Watson replied that he would
try. Mr.Taylor added that we may need to get a micro-phone.
Dr.Watson asked the committee if there were any corrections to the minutes for discussion and possible approval of the
minutes.
Ms. Sterbach had a correction to her name in the members present;there is no'e'on the end of Helen,
Dr,Buckley made a motion to approve the minutes With the amendment. Ms.Sterbach 2nd the motion all in favor motion
passed.
3. Discussion and possible Approval of Absences from April 2j,M
Mr.Taylor mentioned that he could not hear and commented that he was going to have to move up that he couldn"t hear and
proceeded to sit at the table where the committee sits.
Dr.Watson pointed out the next item for the agenda was the approval of absences from the prior meeting.
Ms. Beynon commented that she was the only absentee which was work related.
Dr.Buckley made a motion to approve Ms.Beynons'absence,Ms.Sterbach Zed the motion all in favor motion passed.
4. Discussion of Monthly Reports
A. Zoonosis Report
Dr.Watson advised the committee was allached for Viewing. Dr.Buckley made note that the report was primarily from bats,
B. Shelter Report
r/1
Ani?nal Control Advisory Committee Meeting May 20 , 2010
Dr.Watson informed e committee at they would wait for Ms.Copeland to do the report unless Ms.Ramos wanted to start it
for her. Ms.Ramos replied that she didn't have the shelter report.
. Copeland wanted to point out first that she didn't feel it was appropriate for Mr.Taylor to be sitting at the table with the
committee. But will continue on since she couldn't make contact with the Legal department or the City Secretary's office. Ms.
Copeland asked to make sure that this was t in the minutes and will find out later.
Mr.Taylor interjected to express that adidn't understand and asked if he was not welcome at the meeting. Ms.Copeland
replied that she felt it wasn't appropriate to be sitting t the table and dght now I need to give a report. Mr.Taylor expressed that
he was confused and wanted to know what he was being told and asked the committee if they understood what she was trying to
say.Ms.Sterbach explained t6 Mr.Taylor that what she is saying is is i5 the table where the committee sits and the members
of the public are not to sit at the table where the committee is having it discussion because typically you sit back or against
the wall. The table is reserved for the committee itself,so it's not appropriate fora member of the public to a sifting here with
the committee. Mr.Taylor added again at he had told us he was deaf. Ms.Sterbach replied that she understood and pointed
out to Mr.Taylor that maybe he uld sit up against the wall just not right at the table where the committee is t.
Mr.Taylor stood up and pointed out that he did of feel welcome here and roc to leave the room. r.Taylor also added
that he wanted it to go on a record that he was deaf,that he cannot hear. He added that he had a meeting with s.Rose and
had told her that you can yell at me you can say what you want,I am hard of hearing,hard of hearing people tend to yell at other
people because they ink you cannot hear them if you could put this on record t Mr.Taylor said that and stated so when the
meeting first started.
Ms.Copeland informed the committee that the City does request for those who need special assistance that you are suppose to
request ahead of time. Mr.Schroeder added that it does state that on the agenda. It reads,"Persons with disabilities who plan to
attend the meeting and who may need auxiliary aides or services are requested to contact the Director of Public Health Office at
51-7205 at least 48 hours in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.'
Ms.Copeland wanted to point out in starting the Shelter Report to show that Mr.Taylor was obviously very upset with Animal
Care. I requested for us to not allow confinuing service of trapping t his home.He appealed that decision and he will be
receiving service at his home.Mr.Taylor can be intimidating an 1 am not going to be intimidated. If you have any questions I
will be happy to answer in regards to that situation. Mr.Schroeder asked if you could bring us up to date on what it was.Ms.
Copeland replied that he was trapping opossums and has been doing so since last year and there was an incident with one of
our staff. I felt it put her in jeopardy;he does have a tendency to and intimidate. Ms.Copeland wanted to add that Mr.Taylor
is welcome at the meetings and provisions can be made for him but felt it was in appropriate for him to be sitting at the table and
felt personally it was an intimidation lactic personally.
.Copeland painted out to the committee the numbers for the shelter report.The numbers were up for the month of April was
at 1,017 for incoming animals.There were a total of 774 for euthanasia;under Rescue/Adoption that we were at 46 which are
%; recently I had an opportunity to pull a report looking at our rescues and noticed at there were some that were not properly
documented in the Chameleon,so it was not included her;the number should be higher. I will be having eons go and
update so the number will be changing and not sure how far back it will change.Ms.Copeland added that it is just this year;they
were not even documenting who it was being rescued to. It is ood thing a hard y is made.Even Ms.Persons'menfioned
that she knew she had taken more cats then that. Ms.Sterbach asked what relocate meant. Ms.Copeland replied that when we
have animals relocating from r.Smith's backyard to aye the park at Oso Creek like a raccoon it is er relocate. Ms.
eynon asked if it was correct that you are relocating dogs and cats and no others. Ms.Copeland replied no y are not and
e only thing I can say is a problem with a rescue/adopdon,we are using a lot of temp's and with the training we push them
thru quickly, When you are on Chameleon and I can show you after the meeting if you would like on each of the kennel cars if
you don't manually go in and change it,it automatically show's dog or cal.You have to manually change it. It should be under
other.
.Beynon commented that you had mentioned that the numbers for the month for drop off of intake is u . Is this due toofficers
bringing in more animals in or more drop off s. Ms.Copeland replied at it is a cats are up for a total of 511. Ms,
Copeland also added that we et owner surrender cat's come in yesterday,beautiful cats. I feel it's the economy;people are
walking the doors saying I can't do this anymore. I have to feed my kids,have to pay my electric bill. There were people
asking about this and wasn't seeing it but in the last couple of months it really has been effecting s.
Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting May 20'. 2010
Mr.Schroeder added at in his line of work with Pest Control for the last 6-8 months have had a lot of flea calls,and this is
observation because I don't think people are tending to their animals with vn a and those types of medicines. I haven't
had this many calls in years after Advantage and those products came out;the recession is xin any. Ms.Copeland replied
that the lady she lives with is fixed income and she was s g lin and it doesn't cost that much to use the Advantage. he
was finding it difficult so I have been taking re of that for her so her puppy won't itch. Mr.Schroeder added at he found out it
is available over the counter. Dr.Watson added that it always has been. Ms.Copeland replied t she thought a prescription
was needed.Mr.Schroeder asked so why the Wal-Mart hasn't of the world.Dr.Watson replied that when the drug first came out
the companies trying to build the market and the way you build the market is a veterinarians. Ms.Copeland reiterate
that she was always told you need a prescription.Dr.Watson added that it's the EPA price not the FDA price. The companies
want you to believe that because they try to use the veterinarian's to create their marketing.Ms.Beynon asked about the oral
medicines like Revolution. Dr.Watson replied that the Revolution is topical and you can buy that anywhere you want you would
just need a veterinarian prescription.
Ms,Beynon asked about Confortis. Dr,Watson replied at is under FDA which makes a difference. They go into tracking
systems,in order to protect the veterinarian's every box has a code an it and it can tell you where the box originated from and
where it went to. To sell it you have to have a contract stating that you have a relationship at patient.If you sell over the
counter business you lose your privilege to carry it and buy it at a price and they go after the company for you. Vetra3dx is a flea
and lick topical that is FDA controlled and sold through licensed outlets;some products are licensed by the EPA and can be sold
C.
.Copeland pointed out that the numbers for Bile Cases for the month was 94. Dr.Watson added that it is that time of the
year. Ms.Copeland added it is time of the year but it's higher than last year and should have run the report for last year. I 't
know if it's because more people are letting n or if e are owned bites within their own home. It is a little high. Dr.
Buckley asked what was under other.Ms.Copeland replied t its bats for the most part. Sometimes you get gerbils'and we
don't normally test those,but we test as many bats as we can et. Ms.Copeland added I feel that anything within reach shout
be tested.
C. Clilc Report
.Copeland informed the committee the numbers for spay and neuter was 151 for the month of April.
Ms,Copeland pointed out that we have been seeing a lot of raccoons;we have 2 in a bay right now, I am going to ask them to
put the female down she has a bad case of mange. I am afraid that if turn around she is going to affect more animals. She
was a mamma and upset the babies didn't come with her and o one knows what seemed to happen to them. It is a bad time of
the year with the wild animals at are being trapped. A lot of times they will leave their babies behind. We had one the other
day that we sent out to a rescuer.Dr. Buckley added they are cute when babies but then they grow up.
Mr.Schroeder commented t he dinner with Judge Saldana at our home. I asked her if she can order them to serve in
is capacity at this location when she gives a punishment for graffib or something. She said no,she added that she thought
Animal Control is on the fist but you can't order someone where to go,there is a list to choose from and what the expectations
are. Ms.Copeland replied that would be great and we do get them. I understand from talking with them that we are only above
the land fill.When I first came we had lot more but having It with them I felt that we to check and the majority of
them were sex offenders cicll with children.And since we have them coming in didn't feel it was a good idea. It did upset
the probation department because they didn't have a lot of places I can send them.
Ms.Copeland passed out a flyer that was created by one of the ACOVs Ms.Dunlap,which will be utilized for people who are
trapping throughout the city. Ms.Sterbach pointed out to s.Copeland that she had roofre the Spanish side and gave her
some changes at could be made. Mr.Schroeder asked when they are printed out if he could get some of them so he could
utilize with his business. Dr.Watson also added that he would be l to hand them out to his customers.
Ms.Copeland informed the committee that the Face-book page for our department up and AG O2 Israel Davila has taken this over
and doing a wonderful job.
5. Discussion and ppssible recommendation for Presentation to resent to City C,ou cil
.Copeland showed her presentation to the committee that will be given to City Council in regards t a staffing for our
depart men t and asked the committee if they had any questions or suggestions.
Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting May `h, 2010
Dr.Buckley asked that when you were talk!ng about the clinic you want to change the wording from"you an I"to"you and e"
or you can say it gives me the opportunity.
Ms.Sterbach asked Ms Copeland df she was going to a providing the paperwork of the information on the presentation. Ms.
Copeland replied yes along with additional,information along with it
eynon added that you did have a nice summary of a calls you had going back to 2006. 1 feel you need to give them other
shelter statistics ,how many animals a are euthanized,adoption rates. They need to see how full the shelter is and a lot of
education is needed.
Ms.Copeland replied at this is the 8d,or 9d,draft and I have submitted it and have re-written it. I actually had a Cot of those
numbers in, Ms,Beynon added that if you are able to would add that information in the agenda acket so that Council can see it-
Then just menbon in a presentation, Ms, Copeland replied that is correct and there is going to be ition l information.The
glance score card in the presentation will be in a packet,additionally the formulas on how I reached tha numbers for the
registration, al -ins, ail-ins,and veterinarian's registrations that they send back to us.
Ms.Copeland also added that there is the information on e amount of hours it takes to properly clean 118 kennels.To properly
clean a kennel takes at least 20 minutes. You might have someone who will balk at that but it really does, Ms.Copeland
explained a cleaning procedure for the 20 minute process. In the truth of the matter with the staffing and the situation we are in
there are a lot of times it's not happening dike that. We had a customer that brought a dog in yesterday with prvo and one
animal that was brought in that was ill and you could smell the illness.
.Copeland pointed out to the committee that we are going to be in trouble this summer because if we do not have the staff to
properly clean. It's not that all we do is clean, When the staff s in,each kennel Is cleaned properly both cat and dog
kennels, The sidewalks have to a cleaned,dogs are walked their everyday. The dog that was brought in e didn't know it had
parvo until this morning,it wasn't the prettiest dog but it was on the street, The dog walked along the sidewalk having the parvo.
The staff has to clean and disinfect the sidewalks,, There is laundry that needs to be done,bays that need to e cleaned,trucks
need cleaning, I don't think people realize that it is not just feeding d s and cleaning the kennels. Then they don't realize you
et stopped because of responding to a side gate or for a tour, We have postponed our opening until 1 pm for this reason s
they can concentrate on a cleaning.They have to clean before they go out and pick up traps or dead animal pick up. We have
customers that will come up and ring the buzzer until someone comes,they don't care that we don't start doing it until 1. They
have taken the time to bring the animal i ;they have done us the favor and that is the way they look at it. We have to respond
and I have to remind the staff to smile and take the animal. Because they can be in r le of EU,and there is nothing orse
than having to do that procedure when you have a dog that is being difficult. To get the needle in have the intercom o off
over your head that you have a customer. This dog needs my attention and it takes 20 minutes to properly euthanize an animal.
They get short changed because the staff is so stretched.
eynon asked when she was going to speak to council. Ms.Copeland replied on a 251h of s. Beynon added that it
is just a presentation on the status of the department Ms.Copeland replied hat we do,status of the department and why.
Specifically I am asking for the staff members that they froze and is per to be given back. Ms. Copeland asked the
committee for them to be able to be at the meeUng.Mr.Hacker added that he wasn't sure what time we are set far.Ms.
Copeland replied that they said would set a specific time on it, I will verify this information and email it to the committee.
Ms. Copeland asked Dr.Buckley that even though this is your last month would appreciate your being there.Dr.Buckley replied
he wasn't sure at this time. Dr.Watson added that he will probably be here one more month due to finding replacement may
take longer.
Ms,Copeland pointed out to the committee of Dr. hillock's help in the absence of our vet. I also realized that the gentleman
that has been working in the clinic is not a vet tech and was not trained for it. It could have put us in ind when the vet was
out and Andrew could not assist in surgery.It didn't make sense to me to be paying an individual when they cannot assist in
surgery.I had requested from i e that they find a vet tech and made it clear al's what is needed. Dr.Watson pointed out
that he knew of a vet tech that just graduated. Ms.Copeland replied t we had already hired one. Also Ms.Martinez
graciously e an arrangement with a vet tech and took care of the call for that for us. Ms.Copeland t we can't let
that happen again.
AWP?ial Control Advisory oanmittee eetirig y 20`x
, 2010
Dr.Watson wanted to know the outcome of the fees requested for the 3 year vaccine. Ms.Copeland replied not well. Ms.
Copeland added that it should go on the agenda that there have been issues with getting the ordinance written and some of its
resolution.Dr,Watson added that it can be an issue because you have citizens receiving the 3 year vaccine from other places.
In San Antonio and Dallas there is the 3 year. Ms.Copeland added that it is a big issue because we have the same thing with
the registration. When people come in to purchase the city license they have a legitimate complaint because the state allows the
3 year for 5 years now. Ms.Copeland added that she was surprised when she first came that it was still being done yearly.
6. Discussion and possible recommendation for and member for Animal Control Advisory Committee
Ms.Copeland informed the committee that she had not bedded them yet.I received them late. I will review the packets and will
send you the information that I have,be able to review so we can discuss it at the next meefing.
Dr.Watson wanted to notify that he knows of 3 veterinarians'that was talking with about replacing his position for the committee.
M&Copeland replied that is good and ask them to go online and ask the to put their application in.Ms.Copeland asked Dr.
Watson when his to ended. Dr.Watson replied it should be this meeting;we were appointed to fill in spots.
Ms.Copeland asked if Mr.Schroeder was of to take over as chairman. Dr.Watson replied that would be up to the board. Dr.
Watson added that it use to be in August when the board would vote for the posibons The City Manager would notify us in April
or May and has taken a couple of months of thru the process and the recommendation to council. Dr.Watson added that he
thought he would be here next month and that would be the last meetin g.
Ms.Copeland encouraged Dr.Watson to ask the veterinarians to send their applications over so the City Secretary office can gel
the sent to me. Dr.Buckley added that if he was needed he could still attend the next meeting,it will be hard once it goes into
summer time and early fall.Ms.Copeland asked Dr.Buckley when his to ended. Dr.Buckley replied that he thought would be
until he was replaced but would need to be finished by fall.Dr.Watson pointed out that it should be the July or August meeting
before the new ones would take over.
Ms.Copeland asked who the veterinarian's were who want to apply. Dr.Watson replied they didn't want me to say who.Ms.
Copeland asked why we meet during the day instead of the evening. Dr.Buckley replied that it was tradition Dr.Watson pointed
out that when Ms.Theim was on the board the question came up on why we met on the 3rd Thursday and we looked into other
dates,whether it would be at night or on a different day. Ms.Copeland replied that it is convenient for me,but it might be
something to look at if it's going to be difficulty for you to be here during the day.
Ms.Bey non added that maybe you can ask legal how we would go about changing the date for future reference.Mr.Schroeder
added that maybe it would be easier if it was at the end of the day then people could leave and go home after the meeting
instead of back to work. Dr.Watson added we had talked about it was up the board,to have the meefing once a month. As far
as the meeting itself it was up to the board when and have always met here at ACS.We could meet somewhere else if
necessary.The only reason we had is that is how it was always done. Ms.Copeland added that she doesn't care when,but if it
affects people applying for the positions it might be something to look at.Dr.Watson added that with the vets that have been on
the board,myself,Dr.Hughes we took Wednesday afternoon off. Dr.Garrett who I replaced took Thursday afternoon off, Dr.
Watson also pointed out that our vet offices vary in fime for closing from 5 to 7 pm.
Ms.Copeland wanted to point out that those who have applied before was Mr.Kownsler and Heather, Mr.Schroeder wanted to
express his thanks for those fulfilling their terms.
T Public Comment
No public comment.
8. Identify its to be glace on next agenda
Dr.Watson asked for the its of discussion for and members for Animal Control.
Aiou et
9.
Dr.Buckley made a motion to adjourn Mr.Schroeder 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed. 1.42
Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting May 201h, 2010