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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Animal Care Advisory Committee - 03/15/20121,nlinsl Care 8 arvlte, City of Corpus Chrlstl r.r�r�r City of arpus 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 March 15th, 2012 Members Present: Bill Schroeder, Samantha Person, Dr. Nina Sisley, Barbara Beynon and Dr, Barbara Whitlock Members Absent: Heather Tarnoski (The following staff members were present) Jesse Carreon, Cdr. Mark Schauer, Trisha Dang and Dr. Thomas House Guests: Caroiine Flores, Cheryl Martinez and Bret Kayzer 1. Call to Order: Mr, Schroeder called the meeting to order at 1230 2. Discussion and possible Approval of Minutes from February 16th, 2092 Dr. Sisley made a motion to approve the minutes, Dr. Whitlock 2,d the motion all in favor motion passed. 3. Discussion and possible Approval of Absences from Februa 16e' 2012 Mr, Schroeder noted that Ms. Beynon was absent from the last meeting, Ms. Beynon stated her absence was work related. Dr Sisley made a motion to approve the absence, Dr. Whitlock t ad the motion all in favor motion passed. 4. Discussion of Current Zoonosis Report Mr. Schroeder noted that the Zoonosis report was attached for viewing. Mr. Schroeder also noted the item in reference to salmonella, chicks and bunnies. 5. Discussion of Current Shelter Report Mr, Carreon introduced himsetf as Interim Program Manager and informed the committee he came to Animal Control as FWd Supervisor. Mr. Carreon added that he worked for San Antonio. Animal Control for 12 years. Ms, Taube informed the committee of the shelter numbers for February as follows; a total of 616 animals from the field; 481 animals dropped off for a total of 1,097; 2 relocated to the wild; 34 rescues; 49 adoptions; 57 return to owners; 2 died in kennel; 693 euthanized for a total of outgoing animals. 101 relocated; 16 missing kennel cards and 45 bite cases for a total of 162 shelter animals. A total of 2,586 calls for the month of February with an average of 86 calls per day. Ms, Taube also added there was a total of 18 citations for failure to restrain, 15 citations failure to vaccinate; 18 failure to register and 4 at failure of care and keeping of animals. Dr. Whitlock asked about the'others' on the report opossums. Ms. Taube replied yes. Ms. Person commented that it was brought to her attention that when a momma cat and kittens are brought in it is input in as 1 animal. Mr. Carreon replied that we are working to correct that problem. 6. Discussion of Current Clinic Report Ms. Taube informed the committee that for the month of February there was a total of 119 spay and neuters for the public and 40 shelter animals for a total of 159 . Update on Animal Care Services employees Cdr, Schauer informed the committee of upcoming changes at Animal Control. Cdr, Schauer explained that when Animal Care came under the Police Department the staff was surveyed in reference to management in place., After the survey of current and former staff, decisions were made at the betterment of the department for changes in management, one temporary staff was let go that was functioning as administrative. Mr. Blas was demoted however before it took place he had resigned. At this time Mr, Carreon is acting as manager for the department and we will be posting positions for Office Assistant and Management Assistant. Cdr, Schauer also informed the committee of the upcoming plans of improvements to the inside of the shelter and the changes necessary for the vehicles and cat kennels. Cdr. Schauer also added that we are looking into the animals that come in if we believe they are adoptable to go ahead and give them the shots that way if they aren't claimed they can go directly into pre - adopt. Then if an owner does come in we would charge them for the shots. Mr. Carreon also wanted to add that you will be seeing a increase in the citations because all of them have gone thru the training to be able to write the citations, Cdr. Schauer also added that we are looking into a training class on how to properly fill out the citation and what to look for. It's a matter of making the citizens more responsible, We are not a no- kill shelter we are trying to decrease our euthanasia rate as much as possible. B. Discussion on expiring terms for advisory committee members Mr. Schroeder pointed out that we have 2 members ready to go out and also a new members. Mr. Schroeder noted that he was terming out in May, have gone thru 6 years now. Dr, Whitlock asked if he was leaving. Mr. Schroeder replied that he has been in 6 years, at this time cannot return. Ms. Taube said that she would look into anyone else that may be ending their terms. 9. Discussion regarding falconry Mr. Schroeder noted the item on falconry and at the bottom of the memo where it states "we would recommend caution in considering any repeal or amendment to the ordinance. Ms. Person added that we had asked Mr. Blas to look into what other cities are doing. Mr, Schroeder suggested putting on the agenda for the next meeting. 10. Discussion review and possible recommendation of the Feral Cat Colony permit ordinance, Ms. Hang informed the committee that she had just acquired the information on the ordinance and hadn't had a chance to review them so there wouldn't be any information that she would add. Cdr. Schauer informed the committee that he had tatked with ACM Riggs about the cat colony ordinance and his order to me was to not go any further at this t'Fme. Even though it's under a non work order, he wants to get a sponsor from City Council to walk thru this. There have been complaints and negative press even being a well meaning ordinance. It wasn't explained very well, it's almost to encourage starting one. Since we have had all the negative he asked staff to cease untii we can find one city council person to come in and say they will sponsor it. If we don't have that then we are using up a lot of time on something we cannot do. Mr. Schroeder asked if anyone from the public wanted to state their opinion on the subject. Ms, Thiem introduced herself; congratulated the department for finally being under the Police Department after 20 years.. Ms. Thiem also added that she was on the committee for several years. We were told at that time on reviewing ordinances and we were told at that time at every meeting by your predecessor not to put an ordinance on the books if it's not enforceable. We know all know that feral and stray cats are over run in the city. This is an enforcement agency; Animal Control is to be commended for their efforts and there first and foremost Animal Control is an enforcement agency. To put something on the books that is unenforceable is not productive and felt the City Council is correct in going this way, people do not want to live next door to 20 feral cats. There are many other ways, holding them responsible for the spay and neutering animals they are feeding. No one is going to go out and get the permit for them, Mr. Kayzer stated that as a concerned citizen; I have had experience in law and management and have dealt with this issue. Whether or not they are fixed cats are still viable predators that will kill native wild life species such as birds. Have personally seen cats suffer in the wild because they don't belong. Living next to 20 cats the tax revenues could be lowered due to homeowners being assessed to lower values, It says on The Cattery website that you have to show financial means of Medicaid or unemployment or Lone star. Not sure what this has to do with this issue, it shows in the old ordinance that's amended; most feral cats are not friendly. I do not feel people will comply with this ordinance ideally. With feral cats what should be done, economically, ecologically, doesn't make sense. If you want to reduce the population how can you legalize it? Ms. Martinez felt that the program would be good for the City. You have so many people already feeding them illegally because you can only have 6 animals. Waving the ordinance on the books is another tool if needed if there is a problem. There are other cities doing this that its' working for them. Dr, Whitlock stated in reference to the press that cam a out was unfortunate because it didn't state clearly for someone to have a feral colony they would have to be spayed or neutered. This is something very important for the citizens to know, It wasn't explained correctly. Mr. Schroeder added that we need to have that support, Ms. Person added for clarification on the website there is a price list for owned cats and a separate price list for feral cats. The website states that friendly cats can be in a carrier and feral cats need to be in a trap. It doesn't talk about the ordinance at all, it's a price list, Mr. Bennett asked that anything we do will be presented to Animal Control staff. Mr. Schroeder replied yes and any item discussed and a draft is presented to City Council. Mr. Bennett clarified that for what we have now to present it would be not be pursued unless we have support. Mr. Bennett made a motion to table the Feral Cat Colony permit ordinance, Ms. Beynon 2 the motion, all in favor motion passed. 11: Discussion review and possible recommendation on the Breeders permit ordinance A general discussion was held on the possible recommendation on the breeders permit ordinance. Ms, Dang informed the committee for the wording on the permit is showing as hobbylamateur. I also want to bring to your attention last year in the last legislative session there have been a lot of regulations required by the state in the occupations code. The people purchasing the permits will have to file state statute to have a license and go thru a background check, under chapter 802 of the occupations code. Mr, Schroeder asked if this happened since we had been discussing this topic. Ms. Dang replied that she wasn't she didn't know if that is the case. The state statute went into effect on June 17ul, 2011. Ms. Beynon added that it was worked on it the last legislative session years ago. The applicability is for breeders who own 11 more or intact females. In the city limits are 6 dogs or cats in most typical residential lots there are some exceptions in areas of grandfathering. If you are legal you don't fall under the state licensing law, The committee had a discussion on the wording for the breeder permit and agrees that they like the hobby /amateur. Ms, Beynon brought up the pricing on city licenses and compared to the charge of an animal that is altered and unaltered; why should I have to pay more. Dr. Whitlock agreed that is 3 times as much but not as much in other areas. Ms. Beynon added that she had asked Mr. Blas why he wanted this permit. He had replied that he probably wasn't going to use it but wanted in place in the event it was needed. I am still not sure if I agree with the 'whereas' in this permit. Or also s e e n umbers to backup with what they are saying. Also the breeding of dogs and cats for sale in public have gone up, how do we know this. Mr. Schroeder explained that with the fees, we were trying to determine the amount of the permit, so we sent it back. The staff was going to come back and let us know what we would charge for the permit. Cdr. Schauer added that it was mentioned that it's not so much the permit to raise money but it's in the fines that those who get them; which is $500.00. Ms. Dang added that he's talking about the penalty of violating the law as such. Ms, Beyon asked what the amount was for a first violation. Ms. Dang replied that there is no scale, $500.00. Mr. Schroeder opened the discussion to the public. Ms. Thiem informed the committee that we had 1 year we discussed this topic and will come around each time. It's a wonderful idea, all animals should be licensed. Unfortunately you don't get to the people that you are targeting, The answer to the back yard breeders' when an animal control goes out, the owners open the back door and they all run. it is an absolute necessity but it's hard to enforce. Dr. Whitlock wanted to add that there are areas across the states that have these permits in place, Mr Carreon added that he could not speak from experience but there is the permit and license is the same for an intact dog is $50.00; this is in San Antonio and there is a limit. To have more there is a permit which requires an inspection. Personally $12,00 for an intact dog isn't meaning or not if you are a responsible pet owner. Cdr. Schauer added that there are situations where we could enforce it. We are looking at neighborhoods, with gang members and drug dealers they love their pit bulls. We could down the list of what they could be fined for and as litter of puppies in the back yard. Animal Control is now 2417. Ms. Beynon asked that when you have had raids how many puppies have you seen. Cdr Schauer replied that vast majority of the dealers have dogs, most of them are in sub- standard housing, that's where you will find the worst care of the animals. We do see a lot of animals uncared for. This would be one additional thing we could do that could help. Mr. Schroeder asked Mr. Carreon to bring back information on breeder's permits from other areas in or out of Texas. Ms. Beynon wanted to add that she would like to see an exemption for hobby breeders that have pure bred dogs that exhibit; show their animals; and hunting dogs. Ms, Martinez added that with the research on that for other cities would go by the population of the people in those cities 12. Public Comments Ms. Martinez wanted to point out that with other cities with cats or dogs under a certain age they become immediate property of the city. The feral cats here have to wait for 3 days. If we were able to do this here, yes these animals could be euthanized right away or the other option to be able to take them instead of having to wait. This is Tess opportunity for an animal to get sick. The kittens under the age of 3 months or feral cats; just wanted to present this as an option. This would be beneficial all the way around. Ms. Thiem added that everything sounds good, but need to be careful about the government, the city taking animals as property in Texas. It may not work well with the general population. We are an enforceable agency not a rescue, it could appear that we would be overstepping the boundaries. Ms. Sines wanted to express that she felt the 3 day window wasn't long enough. When I came to the shelter there were 6kittens and when I came back they were still here and wanted to adopt but wasn't allowed to. Ms. Martinez wanted to add that if an animal has tags they are kept longer than 3 days, Ms. Taube stated the time was 5 days. Ms. Taube also added that if there is owner information we do make contact, if not by phone we send someone out to the resident to let them know their pet is here and once we make contact they have 5 working days to claim the animal. Ms. Martinez in reference to the cat colony, would we need to involve code enforcement. Mr. Schroeder let Ms. Martinez know that at this time we are tabling this matter at this time until we have support from council member. 13. Identify items to be placed an next agenda The committee wanted the following items to be placed on the agenda for the month of April. Discussion and review on the Raptors Prohibition; Discussion review and possible recommendation for the breeders permit. i 14. Adjournment Dr. Whitlock made a motion to adjourn, Ms. Beynon 2 "d the motion ail in favor motion passed. 1:30 Laura E. Robinson, DVM, MS 601 W. Sesame Drive Vacant - Zoonosis Control Specialist X AC Harlingen, Texas 78550 Letty Tamayo - Public Health Specialist T r1kj Office: (956) 444 -3212 FAX: (956) 444 -3216 Depart €t4efi it -__ State Health { avEce,� XWL U 0 N S I S*C 0 N T R 0' L HEALTH SERVICE REGION 11 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER 2012 MARCH RABIES REPORT Two rabid bats were reported in Region 11 during March: a Mexican freetailed bat in Cameron County and a Mexican freetailed bat in Webb County. In both cases, pets that were not currently vaccinated against rabies were potentially exposed. Five cats )and one dog are undergoing a series of three rabies vaccinations and 90 days of isolation and confinement in accordance with State regulations. Two decomposed bats were also investigated during March: one in Nueces County and one in Hidalgo County. No exposures were reported to these bats. 2012 RABIES CASES i Horse - 1 ii sat • S OTHER RESULTS DATE COUNTY SPECIES RESULTS 3123/12 Nueces Bat Decomposed 3128112 Hidalgo Bat Decomposed MARCH CASES CASE# DATE COUNTY SPECIES 8 3/12112 Cameron Freetailed bat 9 3/13112 Webb Freetailed bat CCCCCCCCCCCCCC <CCCCC < <CCCCCCC<CCCC » » > » » » » » > >>>7 » » » » » »» DSHS LABORATORY - CONFIRMED RABID ANIMALS HEALTH SERVICE REGION 11- 2012 COUNTY 2012 2011 2010 JANUARY 4 0 2 FEBRUARY 3 0 3 MARCH 2 2 5 TOTAL 9 2 10 Two rabid bats were reported in Region 11 during March: a Mexican freetailed bat in Cameron County and a Mexican freetailed bat in Webb County. In both cases, pets that were not currently vaccinated against rabies were potentially exposed. Five cats )and one dog are undergoing a series of three rabies vaccinations and 90 days of isolation and confinement in accordance with State regulations. Two decomposed bats were also investigated during March: one in Nueces County and one in Hidalgo County. No exposures were reported to these bats. 2012 RABIES CASES i Horse - 1 ii sat • S OTHER RESULTS DATE COUNTY SPECIES RESULTS 3123/12 Nueces Bat Decomposed 3128112 Hidalgo Bat Decomposed MARCH CASES CASE# DATE COUNTY SPECIES 8 3/12112 Cameron Freetailed bat 9 3/13112 Webb Freetailed bat CCCCCCCCCCCCCC <CCCCC < <CCCCCCC<CCCC » » > » » » » » > >>>7 » » » » » »» DSHS LABORATORY - CONFIRMED RABID ANIMALS HEALTH SERVICE REGION 11- 2012 COUNTY JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH TOTAL BEE BAT -1 1 CAMERON BAT -1 BAT -1 2 HIDALGO BAT -2 BAT -1 3 WEBB BAT -1 BAT -1 2 ZAPATA HORSE -1 1 TOTAL 4 3 2 9 VISIT US: www.dshs.stateAx.us/reqion1 I/servicesizoonosis.shtm Publication #57 -10768 I-Cmu l Ljy QpculCb ZOONOSlS CONTROL HSR 11 PAGE 2 MARCH 2012 62 " d Annual James Steele Conference on Diseases in Nature Transmissible to Man Please join us this June in San Antonio, Texas for the 62 annual meeting of the James Steele Conference on Diseases in Nature Transmissible to Man. This conference provides excellent, informative presentations by local, state, national, and international experts, up to 17 hours of continuing education credits, a great opportunity to network with colleagues, make new friends, and visit one of the most culturally rich cities in the United States. Bring your family and enjoy all that San Antonio has to offer! When Wednesday, June 20 -- Friday, June 22, 2012 Where Crown Plaza Riverwalk Hotel, 111 East Pecan Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 • Hotel room rate for conference attendees is only $85.00 /night single occupancy; $85.00 double; $85.00 triple; $85.00 quadruple. Conference rates valid 3 days before and after the conference. • Hotel reservations must be made by May 19th to qualify for the conference rate; You may make your room reservation directly through our online reservation link https:llresweb.passkey.com /gol Diseases] n Natu reConference or by calling 1- 877 -270 -1393 and making your reservation under the "Texas Health Institute - Diseases in Nature Conference" block • The hotel is located directly on the world- famous Riverwalk! • Fitness center, pool, hot tub, and sauna • Complimentary wireless and wired in -room and lobby area internet access • Discounted covered parking for hotel guests - $10.001day Registration „Fee $250.00 with early registration by May 25, 2012; $300.00 after May 25th. You may download the conference registration form on the conference website http:N sites. google .com /site /diseasesinnature /. Continuing Education (CE) Credits Physician CME The conference will provide a maximum of 17.0 hours of Category II credit towards the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity. Veterinary CE : An application will be submitted to the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for a total of 17.0 CE .hours for full attendance by veterinarian, Registered Veterinary Technician CE : An application will be submitted to the Texas Veterinary Medical Associa- tion for a total of 17.0 CE hours for full attendance by Registered Veterinary Technician. Animal Control CE : The Department of State Health Services will be petitioned for 17.0 CE hours for full attend- ance by Animal Control Officers. CHES CE : An application will be submitted to award up to 17 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) for certified health education specialists (CHES). SOPHE, including its chapters, is a designated multiple event pro- vider of CECHs by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Sanitarian CE : The conference will provide a maximum of 17.0 CE hours for sanitarians. What's Included • Daily continental breakfast • Morning and afternoon food and beverage breaks J.V. Irons Luncheon • Evening cocktail reception • Door prizes and other goodies! For more information Please visit the conference website http:ll sites. google .com /site /diseasesinnature. 62nd James Steele Conference on Diseases in Nature Transmissible to Man June 20 -22, 2012 Crowne Plaza Riverwalk Hotel, San Antonio, Texas Registration Form Dr. Mr. Ms. (please circle) First Name Last Name Degree(s) Specialty /Job Title Institution Mailing Address city Telephone Email address state Fax Early Registration Payment must be received by May 25, 2012 WZ Full conference registration (includes JV Irons Luncheon and Lecture) ...... $250,00 Daily conference registration (without JV Irons Luncheon and Lecture). ...... $100.00 /day Additional J. V. Irons Luncheon and Lecture ticket (must pre- pay) ................$ 50.00 Full -time students - letter from Department Chair must be submitted with registration (includes JV Irons Luncheon and Lecture ) ...................$125.00 Poster presenter (must be accepted by conference curriculum committee).. $125.00 i Late registration Payments received after May 25, 2012 and at the door Conference only (without JV Irons Luncheon and Lecture ) .......................$300.00 Daily conference registration (without JV Irons Luncheon and Lecture) .......$125,00 /day Welcome Reception (free) 1 plan to attend the conference welcome reception on Wednesday evening (complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar). - 1 Yes D No 0 Maybe I will be bringing additional guests. TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED ............................................... .....................I........$ if paying by check, please make checks payable to the Texas Health Institute. If paying by credit card, charge to my: 0 MasterCard d ViSA (MasterCard and Visa ONLY) Acct # - - - 3 -digit Card Security Code (located on the back of the card) Mail comp leted registration form and p a yment to: Diseases In Nature Conference P.O. Box 4941 Austin, Texas 78765 Expiration Date NOTE if paying by credit card, you may email or fax your completed registration form to Eric Fonken at eric.fonken dshs.state.tx.us or 612 -776 -7454. Refunds, less a $25 processing fee, can be made before May 26, 2012. No refunds will be made after that date. As always, demand is high and seating for this year's conference is limited, so early registration is highly encouraged. City of Corpus Christi Anima! Care and Control Services MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT March 2012 VIOLATION SUMMARY `ure to restrain - 15 Jure to vaccinate - 15 Failure to register - 14 Failure of carelkeeping - 1 Other violations - 3 f � Dog Total Cases by Activity & Species Other Total Known Animal Restrained on Property Spay Dogs Cats Other Total by Activity Activi # I % # I % # 1 % # 1 % Unknown Animal Roaming 0 1 0 "--! Total Bite Cases 45 Picked up by ACS Officers 222 88 159 372 2 753 58.37% Dropped off 216 308 13 537 41.63% To Animals 438 33,95% 467 36.20% 385 29.84% 1,290 900.00% - -� � ' -_.tW '`a - �'y. "'tly 5 N •�T�3 � �s } ��F��€ ::ir� -8_ .'.�, Relocated to Wild 0 1 11 12 1.17% Rescued 5 55 1 61 5.95 ° /g Adopted 28 15 6 49 438% Returned to Owner 45 5 0 50 4.87% Wildlife Rehabilitation 0 0 1 1 0.10% Paws & Claws Heartworm 0 0 0 0 0.00% Program Animal Died in Truck 0 0 0 0 0.00% Animal Died in Kennel 17 3 1 035.09Y. 21 106.25% Euthanized 279 213 340 832 74.60% Total Out goin Animals 374 36.45% 292 28,46% 360 1026 100.00% Relocated within Facility 16 4 2 ' 22 52.38% Missing Kennel Card 2 18 Q 20 47.62% Bite Cases 45 8 8 61 145.24% Total Kennel Animals 18 42.86% 22 52.38% 2 4.76% 42 100.00% VIOLATION SUMMARY `ure to restrain - 15 Jure to vaccinate - 15 Failure to register - 14 Failure of carelkeeping - 1 Other violations - 3 f � Dog Cat Other Total Known Animal Restrained on Property Spay Neuter Spay 0 Known Animal Roaming General Public /Pet Owners 44 65 0 Unknown Animal Restrained on Properly 45 8 34 87 Unknown Animal Roaming 0 1 0 1 Total Bite Cases 45 9 34 88 Type of Procedure by Species & Ownership V�T1lRt Do g Cat Other Care - Total by Owner Neuter Spay Neuter Spay # % General Public /Pet Owners 44 65 26 27 162 81.00% Shelter Animals 9 15 7 5 2 38 19.00% Totals by SpeciesISurgery 53 80 33 32 2 200 100.00% Oct -11 Chapter 2 Administration Article IV Division 1 Sec. 2 -60 -64 Chapter 6 Animal Care And Animal Control Division 8. Animal Control Advisory Committee Sec 2 -115 -116 1 J 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 Iast for 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 8. 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 • http:l /www.oag.state.tx.us /open /og training.shtmi .