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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 11/17/2011City of Corpus — Christi Members Present: Members Absent: .lrnai Cara servic 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 November 17th, 2011 Bill Schroeder, Samantha Person, Dr. Nina Sisley, Heather Tarnoski and Dr. Barbara Whitlock Barbara Beynon (The following staff members were present) Larry Bias, Elizabeth Hundley and Dr. Thomas House G uests: Call to Order: Cheryl Martinez Mr, Schroeder called the meeting to order at 12:30 2. Discussion and possible Approval of Minutes from October 20th, 2011 Dr. Whitlock asked if Animal Control was stilt under the Public Health, Mr. Bias replied yes but under Oscar Martinez not Ms. Rodriguez, Mr. Blas pointed out to the committee that will change, we will be reporting to Chief Riggs from the Police Department, i Ms. Person made a motion to approve the minutes, Dr. Sisley 2 "d the motion all in favor motion passed. 3. Discussion and possible Approval of Absences from October 20 1 h, 2011 Mr. Schroeder noted.that Ms. Tarnoski was absent from the meeting. Ms. Tarnoski pointed out that she had down the wrong date for the meeting. Ms. Person made a motion to approve Ms. Tarnoski's absence, Dr. Whitlock 2nd the motion, all in favor motion passed. 4. Discussion of Current Zoonosis Report Mr. Schroeder noted that the Zoonosis report was attached for viewing. Dr. Whitlock asked if the positive bats in Nuoces County were in clusters and what area of town. Mr. Blas replied that they are in town and single incidents. Mr. Blas also added that there was a scare with a husky puppy that was bought in Oklahoma. It was bred in Oklahoma, bought in Dallas and brought to Corpus Christi. Two of the litter mates was tested positive for rabies and the one we had here was tested and came back negative. The breeder stated that a skunk got into the kennel where the puppies were, It was a concern because of the amount of people the animal was exposed to herein Corpus Christi. Mr. Schroeder asked what the procedures after a positive bat. Mr. Blas replied that we notify the necessary people involved €n the call for the bat to be picked up, Mr. Blas also added that with the husky puppy everyone was informed right away and Dr. Robinson was involved. A thorough investigation was done. Dr. Whitlock asked what the time frame is for results, Mr, Blas replied 1 to 2 days for results. 5. Discussion of Current Shelter Repor# Mr. Blas informed the committee for the shelter report for the month of September as follows; for incoming animals a total of 546 were dropped off; 469 are from the field for a total of 1,015. There were a total of 3 javelins relocated to the wild, 21 adoptions; 23 rescues; 70 return to owner; 7 died in kennel; 672 were euthanized, 96 bite cases and the total calls for service was 1,1370 for an average of 62 per day. Mr. Blas also added the numbers for the violation report was 5 failure to restrain, 4 failure to vaccinate and 6 for failure to register, Mr. Blas pointed out that the citations are low but we have officers that need to go thru citation training. Our goal is for the citations to be written and educate the public. 1 Mr. Bias wanted to point out that the City has a bid out to the public for an individual to come in and run the adoption program. We do have a bidder and it's going thru for review. The adoption program for the shelter would appear to be privatizing and making you aware. Mr. Schroder asked if there was a time set. Mr, Blas replied that the bid was put in and we have up to 6 months get in place but is moving quickly. Ms. Tarnoski asked if we would receive a separate report from them. Mr. Bias replied that once everything is in place we can present it to the committee. Mr. Sias also informed the committee that Ms. Martinez has resigned from the committee due to the fact she is the one putting in the bid for the adoption. At this point we can prepare for a new member for the committee. Ms, Hundley pointed out that the item is already on the agenda unless you want to it now. Mr. Bias updated the committee on the possibility of people being charged to pick up their animals that are brought in and billed on the utility bill. At this time we are not able to do this, it is something that needs to go to city council with ordinances. It is something we want to do; we were misinformed by the finance department. Dr. Sisley asked how we would handle places that don't have the utility in their name. Mr, Bias replied that with those they would have to pay. Discussion of Current Clinic Report Mr. Bias informed the committee that there were a total of 108 for the public and 26 shelter animals for a total of 134. Discussion on mandatory spay neuter A general discussion was held on the pros and cons of mandatory spay neuter. Ms Person pointed out that an owner may surrender it and go get another dog. It will decrease the amount of people getting their vaccines and paying for the license fees due to the fact they will have to say whether their pet is spayed or neutered. There are different communities reporting that not having a spay neuter program is a good thing, 4 would reduce the amount of animals' coming in as strays. There were several of the committee members that were in favor of not having mandatory spay neuter. Ms. Tamoski asked with those who do enforce are they have problems with the program. Ms. Person replied that she . hadn't looked that far, Mr. Bias did stated that he would look into this information. One concern is where it states "has an efficient voluntary spay /neuter infrastructure in place to service the population it targets. The concern is when I brought this up that there isn't one but now that we have someone on board to do a mobile unit feels that is what the city needs. There are people who would like to see it come into their neighborhood. The spay neuter program will help to enhance this and the foundation starting this it will be a good start, Mr. Schroeder asked if they were providing the facility. Ms. Person replied that they are starting in January the low cost mobile spay neuter. We will set up in different areas as a mass unit, We will need space inside of a building, Mr. Bias added that it is our goal to try and manage the over population. Discussion, review and possible recommendation of the breeders permit Ms. Hundley pofnted out that the discussion, review and recommendation on this item will be continued; in bringing you a draft of a back yard breeders permit; we cannot be more lenient then state law, The state is moving to permit breeders of 11 animals or more. We want to make sure the draft you see is either as stringent as or more stringent than state law so this will be delayed tilt the next meeting. Discussion, review and possible recommendation on the Feral Cat Colony permif Ms. Hundley provided the committee with a copy of the originai and the current revision on this discussion. The original is just provided for information. You have the pages with the preambles and the whereas to read thru. On section 1 there still information to put in there depending on the formatting where we are going to place them in chapter 6. Then we include some additional definitions that are going to be added to the definition section. We are trying to keep everything as brief and easy to understand as possible. There is some language in favor of enforceable language such as under feral cat colony requirements on pg 2 in revision as to what's compared some of the requirements in the initial draft. Which is drawn up on other cities programs; without playing on that original draft language as an example in the original "to make every attempt remove kittens'. If the colony has cats that meet ail of the requirements we shouldn't have the kittens and make every attempt that it's not enforceable. We will not have information on what attempts were made, how many of them. In place of the other language stating that to drop a requirement or on # 8 in the revisions states'no kittens above the age of four months may remain within a feral cat colony this attempts to achieve the same thing. With trying to balance what may occur in practical terms a kitten from an unknown area could be dropped off and the caregiver can work on that animal but not be a member of the cat colony. Every cat in the colony will be accounted for and if that's what the programs intended to do then the kitten wouldn't be a member of the colony, Mr. Bias asked if the caregiver can replace a cat if one is gone. Ms. Person replied no and with multiple colonies for a caregiver they would be 1 in different locations. Dr. Whitlock wanted clarification that a caregiver can have more than one colony. Ms. Person replied yes and as an i example if the Cattery were to start a TAR program we could have across the city be caring for multiple colonies. The committee had a general discussion in reference to the feral cat colony permit. Ms, Hundley replied that the meeting is to look at the draft on the table and how we can enhance and improve it and If any changes are needed so if the committee moves forward with the recommendation whether today or the next meeting, I take the recommendations and formulate them and for the division how it is going to work. Ms. Hundley afso added that you can keep up to 14 animals considering 8 of those would be for utility purposes and with the urban chicken forth coming they would be considered utility animals. Ms. Hundley added that if you keep the feral cats aside and if the intention is to have a TAR program that is a caretaking function. Ms. Hundley asked if there should be a notice of intention to form a feral cat colony; the committee agreed that would be a good thing. Mr. Schroeder asked that if a new resident moved in and didn't want the colony what happens. Ms. Person replied it would go under nuisance. Ms. Hundley added that there is still so much to look at and the committee or the representative of the committee that will' stand before council and answer the questions or look at the minutes to see how you came up with the draft. It is a work in progress and any suggestions, comments, criticisms are welcome. I have to put into legal language what you attempt to achieve by this. The committee talked about the necessity of the caretaker annually gaining permission from their surrounding properties and what would happen when someone says no. Ms. Hundley replied that they would be required to relocate the colony. Ms. Hundley also added that any questions the committee has, we are working towards the solution because they will come up and have to be addressed. Every property owner and the committee themselves are entitled to peace and quiet and if the feral cat program is intended just to care for a transient population of stray animals than if there is a complaint of a nuisance, perhaps that colony would have to be relocated to address the concerns and what is done if a cat becomes a nuisance. It was discussed the procedures on what is done when a cat from a colony comes in and Ms. Hundley added that it is law on the books that if we can determine ownership of such animal by any means, which is very broad we will contact that owner and they have so much time to claim their pet. Mr, Schroeder asked if the staff has the ability to scan out in the field, Mr. Blas replied yes. Ms. Person asked if something had changed with the time frame to pick up an animal that is considered owned. Ms. Hundley replied that if we impound a cat and is notched and identifiable there is 5 working days to claim the cat, Mr, Blas added that city ordinance is 3 days, Ms. Hundley added that with Mr. Bfas statement when there is no way to identify an owner that is when it's 3 day and 5 if there is ownership. After further discussion the committee agreed to discuss this item at the next meeting. 10. Discussion reviewand possible recommendation on an acting rule for public comments A general discussion was hold on the recommendation on an acting rule for public comments. The committee agreed on 3 minutes for the time for public to speak. Ms. Tarnoski made a motion for the time allotted of 3 minutes for public comment, Ms, Person 2 the motion all in favor motion passed. 11. Discuss committee membership and upcoming appointment Mr. Schroeder asked if the upcoming position requ {red to be posted again with the upcoming vacancy, Ms. Hundley replied that Ms. Taube and Mr. Bias should be able to address how the City Secretary office implements this process. Mr. Blas added that he would research this for the next's month meeting. Dr. Whitlock asked what kind of position would need to be replaced. Ms. Hundley replied that generafly the city secretary office will look to see what each member is in and the term length of the number of people that are serving that is the requirement to be specialized for whatever position and if shifting if it's is needed, 12. Public Comments No public comments 13. Identify Items to be placed on next agenda The committee wanted the following items to be placed on the agenda for the month of December. Discussion review and possible recommendation for the breeders permit; and discussion, review and possible recommendation for the cat colony permit. Dr. Whitlock asked if something will be put together on time limit for public comments. Ms. Hundley replied that she will put together a memo and the chair person can signature it for the record. U. Adiournment Dr. Whitlock made a motion to adjourn, Ms. Person 2nd the motion all in favor motion passed. 1:30 pm i Laura E. Robinson, DVM, MS 601 W. Sesame Drive Vacant - Zoonosis Control Specialist* r Harlingen, Texas 78550 Lefty Tamayo - Public Health Specialist Office: (956) 444 -3212 FAX: (956) 444 -3216 13�,paatrrt�rEuf state- Flea-lth S n+ieeS 4 � -ZO EALTH SERVICE REGION 11 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER 2011 2011 RABIES CASES There were no rabid animals reported in HSR 11 during December. (Two bats at same location in Nueces County) CCCCC <CCCCCC<CC<CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »» DSHS LABORATORY - CONFIRMED RABID ANIMALS HEALTH SERVICE REGION 11- 2011 COUNTY DECEMBER FEB RABIES REPORT MAY 2011 2010 2009 JANUARY 0 2 1 FEBRUARY 0 3 0 MARCH 2 5 2 APRIL 1 9 1 MAY 2 2 1 JUNE 1 0 3 JULY 1 1 0 AUGUST 1 1 1 SEPTEMBER 8 3 0 OCTOBER 4 6 3 NOVEMBER 3 2 4 DECEMBER 0 0 3 TOTAL 23 34 19 2011 RABIES CASES There were no rabid animals reported in HSR 11 during December. (Two bats at same location in Nueces County) CCCCC <CCCCCC<CC<CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »» DSHS LABORATORY - CONFIRMED RABID ANIMALS HEALTH SERVICE REGION 11- 2011 COUNTY JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC I TOTAL CAMERON BAT -1 BAT -2 BAT -1 4 HIDALGO BAT -1 BAT -1 BAT -3 BAT -2 BATA 8 NUECES BAT -3 BAT -1 BAT -2 6 WEBB BAT -2 BAT -2 BAT -1 5 )TAL 0 0 2 1 2 1 1 1 8 4 3 0 23 VISIT US: www.dshs.state.tK.us/re 111servicesizoonosis.shtm Publication #157 -10768 Cases by Species .A Hat - 23 ZOOM GIS CONTROL. HSR 11 PAGE 2 DECEMBER 2011 ACO TRAINING COURSE An Animal Control Officer (ACO) Training Course is scheduled from 1 pm on March 21 through noon on March 23 in Corpus Christi. Registration dead- line is February 1. The cost for attending the course is $75 per student. Please submit a COMPLETE registration form for each student to the Zoonosis Control office in Harlingen. Information on ACO training is available at www.dshs. state .tx.uslidcu /health /zoonosisi educationitraininglacol or through the Zoonosis Control office in Harlingen. Instructions for submit- ting payment will be provided in the acceptance letter. If you have any questions, please call Letty Tamayo at (956) 444 -3212. ACO TRAINING MANUAL The DSHS Animal Control Officer (ACO) Training Manual is available online in the "Officer Training" section at www.texasaco.org or copies are available from the Regional Zoonosis Control office for $40. Be sure to download and insert the September 2009 and September 2011 updates available on the ACO manual websIte if you access it online. ACO training course students will be tested over the material contained in the DSHS ACO Training Manual and should study the entire manual thoroughly before attending a course. Please call Lefty Tamayo at (956) 444 -3212 if you wish to purchase a manual. CCCCCCCCC <CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC<CCCCCC » » » »» » »» » » » » » » » »» ANIMALS IN PUBLIC SETTINGS It's that time of year for livestock shows, educational exhibits and other venues where the public comes into contact with animals. The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) has published the 2011 Compendium of Measures To Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings to provide recommendations for public health officials, veterinarians, animal exhibitors and others concerned with disease control and with minimizing risks associated with animals in public settings. The recommendations are available on the NASPHV website at: www.nasphv.org. Select "Documents," "Compendia," and then "Animal Contact Compendium." CCCCCCCCC <CCCC<CCCCCCCCCCCCGCCCCCC » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »» R)IN Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Zoonosis Control (ZC) Animal Control Officer (ACO) Basic Training Course Application to Attend Enrollment based on space availability. Course date you would like to attend: (Please Print Clearly) Name (Mr., Mrs., Ms.) DOB Animal Control /Shelter Agency Name Mailing Address (Street or PO Box) City W.- (Please provide the address where course information /materials and test results should be sent.) Phone Number f ) Ext. County Email Fax Supervisor's Signature: Date: Mail to: Texas Department of State Health Services Zoonosis Control 609 West Sesame Drive Harlingen, Texas 78550 Cost of attending a course is $75.00. Information on how to submit payment will be provided by the Zoonosis Control Regional office. Do not send payment with this application. OR FAX to: (956) 444 -3296 For more information call: (956) 444 -3212 KA1 ACOTAARA AA Access Applicatian\ACOAPP01 for basic 2008.DOC Students will be tested over the material contained in the DSHS Animal Control Officer Training Manual. Students should study the entire manual thoroughly prior to attending a course. Contact your Zoonosis Control Regional office or http:l /TexasZoonosis.org for further information on the manual and how to obtain a copy. 5120!08 i TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER TRAINING MANUAL ORDER FORM The Animal Control Officer Training Manual is available through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The manual contains a basic course section, plus various state laws relating to animals. The manual is intended as a study guide for students attending a basic training course and as a reference manual for animal control agencies. Students attending an animal control officer basic course will be tested on the material presented in the manual. Therefore, it is highly recommended that students study the manual thoroughly before attending a course. Each manual costs $40.00. (A 3 -ring binder is not included; however, the manual is 3- hole punched and ready for insertion in a 1%2 -inch binder of your choice.) Make checks or money orders payable to the Texas Department of State Health Services and mail it with the following form to the local DSHS Zoonosis Control Regional Office covering your county: Texas Department of State Health Services Zoonosis Control 601 West Sesame Drive Harlingen, Texas 78550 Telephone: (956) 444 -3212 (Complete, detach, and submit the following form with your check.) Send Animal Control Officer Training Manual(s) to: (Please Print or Type) Agency or Individual Date of Order Mailing Address Delivery Address (NO Post Office Boxes) City County State Zip Code f— I Contact Person Area Code & Phone Number Training Manual(s) X $40.00 each = $ (Check or Money Order Enclosed) Manual order form 214108 f Dog City of Corpus Christi 7 .0 -126 Rabies Vac 2 6 -26 Registration 2 6 7151 .Human Care Animal Care and Control Services other violation 0 % General Public/Pet Owners 0 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT 17 30 1 0 Un.known'Restraint November 2011 8 83 129 Total Site Cases 1 38 1 8 83 129 26 46 21 30 2 Total Cases by Activity & Species 100.00% Dogs Cats Other Total by Activity Activity # 1 % # 1 % # 1 % # ! % INCOMING ANIMALS Picked up by ACS Officers 237 91 139 467 50.16% Dropped off 254 1:52 58 464 49:84% Total Incoming Animals; 491 52:74% ': 243 26;10% ' 197 21.16% 931 100.00% ;OUTGOING ANIMAt_S .: . 'Relocated to Wild 0 0 0:00% Rescued 2 16 0 18 2.22% Adopted 24 2 0 26 3.20 % Returned to Owner 58 4 0 62 7:64% 'Wildlife :Rehabilitation 'Paws & Claws Heartworm Program 0 0.00 %° Animal Died'in Truck 0 0.00% Animal Died in Kennel 7 0 0 7 0.86% . Euthanized 386 176 137 699 86.08% Total Outg oing Animals 1 477 58.7416 198 2!1.'38% 137 164 87'16 812 100:00 %° ' :KENNEL ANIMALS Relocated within Fadility 0 0:00% Missing :Kennel Card Bite Cases 38 8 83 129 [ OO:OD% Total Kennel Animals 38 2146°! ' 8 6.20% 83 64.34% 129 700:00% VIOLATON SUMMARY: Dog T -101 Restraint 7 .0 -126 Rabies Vac 2 6 -26 Registration 2 6 7151 .Human Care 0 other violation 0 BITE CASES Dog Cat Other Total Restrained On Property Owner Neuter Spay 0 Restrained .Off:Prope . # % General Public/Pet Owners 0 Unrestrained 17 30 1 0 Un.known'Restraint 38 8 83 129 Total Site Cases 1 38 1 8 83 129 VETERINARY PROCEDURES !PERFORMED Type of :Procedure by Species & Ownership D.o 9 Cat Other Care Total b Owner Neuter Spay Neuter Spay # % General Public/Pet Owners 18 39 17 30 1 105 84,00% Shelter Animals 8 7 4 0 1 20 16,00% Totals b. S ecieeSy .ery 26 46 21 30 2 125 100.00% Note* The high numbers for other in bite case were due to a high numbers of dead and live:bats (53) that were found at the court house that was tested. LLS FOR SERVICE Dog Cat Other Total Daily Avg. Totals 1,626 231 547 2,404 80 City of Corpus Christi Animal Care and Control Services MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT December 2011 VIOEATON SUMMARY: Dog 16 -101 Restraint 25 !.6 -126 Rabies Vac 26 6 -26 Registration 5 6 -151 Human Care 0 SITE CASES Dog Cat Other Total Known Animal Restrained on Property 0 0 0 0 Known Animal .Roamin # % General .Public/Pet .Owners .0 Unknown Animal :Restrained on Property 38 1 8 1 83 1 129 Unknown Animal ,Roaming Shelter. Animals 9 9 0 Total Bite Cases 38 8 83 +_ 129 VETERINARY PROCEDURES PERFORMED Type of Procedure by Species & Ownership Do g Other Care Total by Owner Neuter Spa. Neuter $pay # % General .Public/Pet .Owners 35 42 26 27 1.30 84.97% Shelter. Animals 9 9 5 0 23 15,03% Totals Py S ecies/Se ery 44 51 31 27 0 953 900.00.% Cat Other Total 231 547 2,404 City of Corpus Christi Animal Care and Control Services MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT 2011 ANNUAL REPORT Violation Summary 20.11 January 91 citations February 99 citations March 87 citations APRIL 36 citations May 38 citations July 30 citations August 19 citations September 26 citations October 17 citations November 12 citations December 85 citations BITE CASES Dog Cat Other Total Restrained On Property r Owner Neuter Spay 0 Restrained .Off Property 4 % General 'PObliclPet Owners 0 Unrestrained 313 236 1 0 Unknown Restraint 547 107 267 921 Total Bite Gases j 547 107 267 921 VETERINARY' PROCEDURES PERFORMED Type of Procedure ; Oy Species & Ownership D g Cat Other Care Total b r Owner Neuter Spay Neuter Spay 4 % General 'PObliclPet Owners 324 475 313 236 1 1349 79.21% Shelter Animals 97 123 97 19 0 336 19:73% Totals bq SpecieslSurgery 421 598 410 .255 19 1703 1 DOAO% ;ILLS FOR SERVICE Dog Cat Other Total Daily Avg. Totals.' 16,367 3214 5136 24,717 824 Chapter 2 Administration Article N Division 1 Sec. 2 -60 -64 Chapter 6 Animal Care And Animal Control Division S. Animal Control Advisory Committee Sec 2 -115 -116 In response to several questions that have arisen over the last year regarding the Animal Control Advisory Committee, I have created the attached synopsis of the rules. Although I have shared this with legal and the City Secretary's Office please do not consider this to be definitive. I intend only to make it easy for us to answer the simple questions. Anytime clarification is needed, legal is available to us. • Animal Control Advisory Committee consists of 7 members. • The members include: 1 veterinarian 2 local Animal Welfare organizations (At least one must Operate as a shelter) 4 Representing the community at large • Terms last f6r 3 years. • Each member serves until their successor is appointed and qualified • Each member shall be a resident of the City of Corpus Christi • The City Manager (or Representative), Director of the Health Department (or Representative) and the Animal Control Supervisor serve as ex officio members without vote. • Officers: Chair and Vice Chair: Following the yearly appointment of new members, the Committee shall meet and at its earliest convenience by majority vote elect a Chair (Presides over meetings) and a Vice Chair (Presides in Chairs absence) • The Director of the Health Department (or designee) shall serve as the secretary. Responsibilities of the Secretary: Send notices for the meetings Keep and preserve the minutes Retain all documents filed with the Committee Advise and consult with City official as to the Committees work and recommendations Assist the Committee and Subcommittees in planning and coordinating its programs Perform other such duties that may be of assistance to the Committee A copy of the minutes shall be sent to all members • Subcommittees: Appointed only from among the current members Established by the Chair with the approval of the Committee Chapter 2 Administration Article IV Division 1 Sec. 2 -60 -64 Chapter 6 Animal Care And Animal Control Division S. Animal Control Advisory Committee Sec 2 -115 -116 • Meetings: The committee shall meet once a month, and Shall meet at the call of the Chair, or Shall meet on the call of a majority of its members • The Committee: Shall adopt its own rules of procedure of notice of meetings and conduct thereof Four members constitute a quorum • Purpose and Duties of the Committee: The Committee shall advise the City Council and City Manager about all aspects of Animal Control including fees, staffing, ordinances, procedures and policies and facilities. Jurisdiction and actions of the Committee is advisory only. • Specific tasks of the committee: Acquaint itself with the animal control needs and problems of the community, and: The City's animal ordinances and regulations } The details of operations of the division, and community animal facilities such as pounds and shelters. Develop recommendations to meet community needs in this area and to improve the City's animal control program. Cultivate public knowledge, understanding and acceptance of the need for the services offered by the Animal Control Division and the ordinances and regulations it enforces. Provide a public forum for discussion of animal control needs and services and for hearing public complaints, inquiries or praise about such services. Absences Unexcused absences from more than 25% of regularly scheduled meetings during a term year shall result in an automatic vacancy That vacancy shall promptly be reported to the City Council An absence is unexcused unless excused by the board for good cause, no later than the next meeting after the absence 0 http;//www.oag.state.tx.us/or)en/o trainin .shtml