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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 08/18/2011DEC 0 5 201? wam+d Can s. City of CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE Corpus Christi a.•ti.r City of Carpus 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 August 18th, 2011 Members Present: Bill Schroeder, Cheryl Martinez, Nina Sisley, Samantha Person, Heather Tarnoski and Dr. Barbara Whitlock Members Absent: Barbara Beynon (The following staff members were present) Larry Blas, Elizabeth Hundley and Dr. Thomas House Guests: Mary Giemones, Anthony Clemones, Harold Bennett and CourtneyTurnlund 1. Call to Order: Mr, Schroeder called the meeting to order at 12:30 Mr. Schroeder introduced Ms, Nina Sisley as the new member of the committee. The committee introduced themselves to the new member of the board. 2. Discussion and possible Approval of Minutes from July 213t. 2011 Ms. Person made a motion to approve the minutes. Ms. Martinez abstained from voting due to her absence, Ms, Tarnsoki 2nd the motion, 4 votes in favor motion passed. 3. Discussion and possible Approval of Absences from July 21 2011 Mr. Schroeder noted that Ms. Martinez was absent from the July 2011 meeting; Ms. Martinez informed the committee she was out due to vacation. Ms. Person made a motion to approve Ms. Martinez absence, Ms, Tarnsoki 2 ad the motion, all favor motion passed. 4. Discussion of Current zoonosis Report Mr, Schroeder noted that the Zoonosis report was attached for viewing, Dr. Whitlock added that she had contact with Dr. Robinson in reference about the increase in rabies in Central and North Texas. Dr. House added that our population has a better immunity which could be why we haven't seen the increase. 5. Discussion of Current Shelter Repo Mr. Blas informed the committee that there was a revision on the shelter report for the month of June; Ms Naranjo noted the numbers for adoption and made the correction with the new report. Ms. Person noted that the numbers for rescue are still not reflecting what's been done, Mr. Blas apologized and noted that he has addressed this with staff and is being taken care of. Ms. Martinez also added that she had done an open request for adoptions which showed 29 and this one shows 54 which is a big difference, Mr. Bias replied that he would look into the adoption numbers for June. Ms. Martinez asked if we could also follow up on the total of adoptions for July. Mr. Blas informed the committee for the shelter report for the month of July as follows; for incoming animals a total of 615 were dropped off and 268 brought in from the field for a total of 883; 29 adoptions; 2 rescues; 50 return to owner; 7 died in kennel; 70 bite cases and the total calls for service was 1.549 for a average of 52 per day. Mr. Blas also added the numbers for the violation report was 11 failure to restrain, 9 failure to vaccinate, 9 failure to register and 1 for the failure of carelkeeping of animals. Ms. Martinez asked what 2 under Vet would be for; a brief discussion was held on what this would be for. Mr. Blas informed the committee they would look into this. Ms. Person asked since the trapped animals is not on the agenda can it be discussed under the shelter report, Ms. Hundley added that the current shelter report on the agenda has been used to talk about shelter activities so you are allowed to the question. Mr. Bias replied that with the opossum pick up, council decided we would no longer pick them up that are not in city traps, Ms. Person asked if we have put forward for the $10 fee, was it denied. Mr. Bias that hadn't been presented; this was a part of the budget process and allows us to do more of the priority calls. Dr. Whitlock asked how the public response has been, does the public know. Mr. Bias informed the committee this began as of August 8th educating and letting them know we will no Icnger provide that service, educate and advise they can drop off here, Ms. Person asked since we are not picking up do we need to move forward the pick up fee. Ms Hundley added that we can put it on the agenda for the next meeting because the committee recommended that the item go forward and if they want to remove or discuss it you can do so. Discussion of Current Clinic Report Ms. Bias informed the committee there was a total of 117 surgeries for the general public and 34 for the shelter totaling 151. Discussion on the Breeders Permit A general discussion was held on the breeders permit. Ms. Martinez informed the committee that the item did pass legislation but it will be a while before it's enforced in Texas. It was brought to my attention by Ms Person that San Antonio has a litter permit, you can only have one per year and you pay for the litter within 10 days of the birth. Ms. Martinez felt it would be a good idea to go forward with a permit or something since we have a problem with the pet population and backyard breeders. Ms. Martinez informed the committee that she would forward information to them before the next meeting regarding this topic for discussion, Discussion on City Registration requirements Mr. Schroeder asked for input on the discussion for city registration requirements. Ms. Martinez replied that this was a item she had requested but it's not needed now. Ms. Martinez stated that she spoke with Ms. Hundley after the meeting and it's not an item that needs to be discussed at the committee meeting, Discussion and Recommendation for the Feral Cat Colony Permit Ms. Person provided updated information in reference to the feral cat colony permit. Ms. Person added that the information under Al as requested was the ability to transfer to another caregiver. It was also added that they could provide sponsoring a shelter or rescue group as a emergency contact, In addition to # 2 we wanted to define what neighboring was so I have included that; it was reworded as adjacent to where the colony resides. With the definition of adjacent is having a common in point or border so that would include the surrounding areas. Under item # 3 after the caregiver has the permit we want to allow 4 months to complete all the requirements for cats in the colony. We also added # g for the ability for Animal Control to go and inspect the colony at any time for compliance. Ms. Martinez made a motion to recommend for staff to review, Dr. Whitlock 2 " the motion all in favor motion passed, 10. Discussion and recommendation on ordinance amendment for the keeping of urban chickens A general discussion was held on the ordinance amendment for the keeping of urban chickens. Ms. Person asked if we had received informatlon on pen size for the chickens. Ms. Werner replied that she had emailed Mr. Bias the information, apologized she hadn't brought the information with her. Mr. Schroeder asked since we don't have the information at this time we can put it on the agenda for next month. Dr. Whitlock asked Dr. Sisley if pigeon and poultry droppings where histoplasmosis comes from. Dr. Sisley replied yes, it is a concern but we don't see it here as much. Ms. Martinez asked if the information was for the changes to the ordinance. Ms. Hundley replied that it is display of formatting of the changes that you first recommended. A general discussion was held on the amount allowable in city requirements for the ordinance. Dr. Whitlock suggested the limit of 6 and 1 that could be grandfathered in, Ms, Person also added we wanted to add the size requirement so it will not be overcrowded. Ms. Hundley wanted to add for the discussion there won't be any grandfathering of current animals. Because while chickens can be kept now there are restrictions on size requirements for properties; unless you meet those size requirements which is part of the proposal to the table, if you don't meet the size requirements and the proper zoning you cannot keep the chickens so there would be no grandfathering mechanism for people that may be keeping them illegally now. Dr. Whitlock asked what if they meet the requirements, Ms. Hundley replied then they are permitted to keep them at this time and there is no limitation on the amount at this time on how many. Dr. Whitiock made a recommendation for the item to be placed on the agenda for the discussion of minimum pen size. Ms. Martinez 2 1 a the motion all in favor motion passed. 11. Public Comments Mr. Clemones voiced his opinion on the feral cat proposition, as a public citizen the feces problem will still be there, cats do not have a leash law. The cats will still hunt birds, squirrels and the people who take care of them will they protect them against fleas. There are some of these feral cats that won't turn, Ms Person informed Mr. Crider that the definition is that they are fearful of people, they runaway from them unless they are cornered, Ms. Hundley wanted to add that under the open meetings act when we have public comment generally the council its comments about discussion on items not on the agenda. In order to continue this discussion because it's an open comment remember that you may make a statement of factual information so there isn't any altering, you can recite existing policy and you can advise items to be placed on the agenda, since this item is of a nature of item posted the committee can choose to go from public and reopen the item for discussion. The committee felt it was best to reopen the item for the Feral Cat Colony, Mr. Clemones wanted to add that the City is going to make their ruling on the subject but wished that he had more people there as the public to speak on this matter. Mr. Clemones spoke about his concern for the subject; cat colonies may be altered but you have neighbors that feed and are not spay and neutering and that's where citizens like myself have a problem with cats when they come on to your property. Mr. Clemones spoke about a home close by where the resident is in a nursing home, family members gave permission for a neighbor to feed her cats. Mr, Schroeder replied that what we are doing will help in those situations and making sure people are coming into compliance and make the recommendation for the cat colonies. Mr. Schroeder wanted to add that with the cat colony this will help address the issues of those who are not in compliance and the concerns of the public in reference to stray cats. Mr. Crider asked the committee about the totals from the percentage report and what it would take to know how many calls are coming in from the various zip codes. Mr. Blas replied that he would check with Chameleon to see how we can get that taken care of. Ms. Martinez added that you could do it thru open records because the calls do come in by address. Mr. Crider expressed that there are many calls that he is aware of coming from the area of Dona Park.; we are told that ACS can't get there, how many officers do we have? Mr. Blas replied that at this time we have 6 officers and in the middle of cross training with Vector Control to build up the staff and will be hiring 4 more officers. In the next 3-4 months we are hoping that we will have a total of 15 -20 officers working the field and cleaning the kennels. Mr. Crider expressed his concern for the issues with animals going on Mc Norton area near Rand Morgan where packs of dogs are stray and some of them chasing after people; one person had to go to the hospital because of this, Mr. Schroeder replied that with what Mr. Blas just stated is that we will see positive things happening with the additional staff and the 1 staff that is not picking up opossums' now. Ms. Turnlund expressed she was here to speak again on the keeping of urban chickens. Ms. Turnlund pointed out to the committee with the research on chicken coups' would be 2 sq ft a piece but that is if you going to keep your chicken in the coup every day and not leave it. We want chickens but with free range eggs so ours are only in thereat nighttime to sleep. The coup is t 8 x 45 x 44. Mr. Schroeder advised that we will be putting this item back on next month's meeting that way Mr. Blas can view your email and we will address this at that time, Ms. Turnlund asked if she could talk about what is being proposed. The committee decided to reopen the item for the keeping of urban chickens. Ms. Turnlund expressed her appreciation forthe committee's assistance. Why is there is a need to have a 25 ft distance rule, what is that for? Mr, Blas added that it's not just for chickens it is livestock, cattle, horses that way you won't be too close to the next house where they can smell what is in your yard. Ms. Turnlund replied that if we are trying to urbanize in the city, if it's 24'and the neighbors don't mind. Ms, Hundley explained the 25 'rule by drawing a diagram, and the chickens have to be in a place in the yard where it would be 25' from any dwelling around and anything less would not be legal. Ms. Turnlund understands that it comes from the fence line and there would be no room at all in my backyard. Dr. Whitlock asked what the definition of an enclosure, does it have atop on it. Ms Hundley explained that where a term is not defined in the law, at this time it doesn't say it has to have a roof or not but an enclosure which is a text book definition. Ms. Turnlund replied that with this 25 from each fence line there would be no room; I would have to have a pin right in the middle of the yard because I live in the City. Ms. Hundley replied with not knowing the perimeters of your yard you may or may not, and it's possible some may not be able to, Ms. Turnlund pointed out that her recommendation to City Council was from sec. 157; t hat would be an exception rule to the distance and the number of pets, We would like to seethe urban chickens put under that where there would be no distance for a homeowner to follow, if the law is there to protect neighbors who don't want it, if I am 15 or 25 ft if the neighbor doesn't mind they aren't going .to care about the distance. Ms. Turnlund explained that her neighbors don't mind and that they keep the area clean and well maintained, Mr. Schroeder replied that it appears you are a responsible chicken owner in respect to your neighbors, the issue at hand is not personally directed at you. It is a general item and considered recommendations. Mr. Schroeder also added that it is being put on the schedule for the next meeting and then Mr. Blas will have read your email. Ms. Turnlund again asked about reconsidering the distance for urban dwellers or reducing it. Mr. Blas asked how you keep your chickens from flying out of the yard, Ms, Turnlund replied they usually don't fly that much and I will clip a part of the wings. Mr, Blas suggested you add that because there are a lot of them that do fly and all of this needs to be in consideration and the coup being required. Dr. Whitlock requested the reopening of the cat colony to answer Mr. Clemones question. Mr. Clemones that you have the limit of 6 animals per household;, where does the 2D cats come from. Ms. Person replied that it is from research of multiple cities around the country. Mr. Clemones not Corpus. Ms Person replied not Corpus because we currently do not have a cat colony. Mr. Clemones' mentioned that you can own 6 animals, I realize it hasn't passed yet but why 20. The 2nd question once the cats are there, and they are all chipped and vaccinated, one dies; does it lessen the colony and abolish or are they allowed to bring one in. Ms. Person replied that they could bring in but the idea is to reduce the number of cats. The committee had general discussion about how there have been colonies that didn't grow but reduce, At A &M and the museum they had a trap alter release which helped to reduce those areas of increasing population, 12. Identify items to be placed on next agenda The committee wanted the following items to be placed on the agenda for the month of September. Discussion and review of the breeders permit; Discussion and review of the Cat Colony permit; Discussion and review on the ordinance amendment for the keeping of urban chickens; Discussion and possible annual of election of officers. 13. Adjournment Ms, Martinez made a motion to adjourn, Dr. Whitlock 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed. 1:35 pm