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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011/04/27 - Minutes - SpecialApril 27, 2011 CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING A. CALL TO ORDER A special meeting of the Rancho Cucamonga City Council was held on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at Central Park in the Alta Loma Room located at 11200 Base Line Road, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Mayor L. Dennis Michael called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Present were Council Members: Bill Alexander, Chuck Buquet, Diane Williams, Mayor Pro Tem Sam Spagnolo and Mayor L. Dennis Michael. Also present were: Jack Lam, City Manager; John Gillison, Assistant City Manager; Linda Daniels, Deputy City Manager; Joe Pulcinella, Animal Services Director; Bill Wittkopf, Public Works Director; Erika Gamez, Kennel Supervisor; Barbara Hansen, Community Programs Specialist; Heather Bolton, Secretary; Dr. Michele Toomoth, Veterinarian and Debra McKay, Records Manager/Assistant City Clerk. B. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Michael noted that the public communication period would be held after the staff presentation and the question and answer period. C. ITEM OF BUSINESS C1. Update to Animal Care and Services Department Programs and Discussion of Future Goals Mayor Michael welcomed everyone to the meeting today to talk about the Animal Care and Services Department programs and future goals. Joe Pulcinella, Animal Services Director, introduced the members of the Animal Care and Services Department and gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Department and its activities. Joe Pulcinella indicated that the mission of the Department is to build a community in which every adoptable pet finds a home. He presented a timeline of activity from when the City Council made the decision in 2005 to have aCity-operated Department to the first full year of operations in 2007. He noted that many of the statistics to be presented at this workshop will make comparisons between the County and City service levels and activities. The Department organization and functions were addressed. Mr. Pulcinella commented on the organizational structure and duties of Administration, Veterinary/Medical, Animal Behavior/Evaluation, Care/Cleaning and Field Services divisions. He noted that in calendar year 2010, there were 6,564 requests for service, 1,644 calls regarding stray animals, 748 investigations and follow-ups and 976 animals found dead on arrival. Special City Council Meeting Regarding Animal Care and Services Department April 27, 2011 -Page 1 of 6 The various community programs and partnerships were discussed. Mr. Pulcinella indicated that the Department provides a wide variety of outreach, education, and services for the Center pets as well as for the community and their pets. He indicated that volunteer services are an important part of the operation of the Center and a key community partnership and program. The types of volunteer services were discussed as well as the numerous volunteer opportunities that were available. Mr. Pulcinella compared the amount of volunteer services from 2007 (25 volunteers donated 1,568 hours) to 2010 (204 volunteers donated 10,118 hours) and noted that the first ever Volunteer Workshop is being planned for June 13, 2011. The Center's increased placement rate was discussed, with Mr. Pulcinella indicating that adoptions have increased 22% from the 1,998 pets adopted in 2005 to the 2,442 pets adopted in 2010. The numbers of animals rescued have increased 163% since the City took over the Center, with 274 rescues occurring in 2005 as compared to 721 rescues occurring in 2010. Conversely, the Center's euthanasia rate has decreased by 15% since the City assumed operation of the Center. The presentation focused on the various community programs and partnerships that have been established by the Animal Care and Services Department. Medical program partners include a Mobile Surgical Unit and Fourth Year Veterinary Student Externship with Western University, ROP Veterinary Assistant Program with Baldy View and the Fontana School District and RVT Internships with Carrington College, Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. San Antonio College. There are placement programs with 110 rescue groups, which have resulted in 771 pets being placed in 2010 as opposed to 274 pets being placed in 2005. Mr. Pulcinella discussed outreach efforts and stated that 242 events were attended in 2010, which resulted in 296 adoptions. In 2005, there were no events and in 2007 the Center attended 8 events. Community partners include Crown Toyota, Petco Corporate, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Outreach is made to various cat and dog shows, sporting events, pet expos and fairs. Also, there is an active PetSmart partnership where animals are housed in 3 PetSmart stores (San Bernardino, Ontario and Glendora). Lastly, Mr. Pulcinella addressed the Best Friends partnership to increase the adoptability of pit bulls and decrease the length of stay and euthanasia of these animals. The Center's virtual outreach program was discussed, with Mr. Pulcinella noting the amount of information at www.rcpets.info. He indicated that this information is linked to other Internet sites. Between July 1, 2008 and January 27, 2011, he stated that there have been 8,490,228 pet search results. 621 adopters in 2010 indicated that they saw their newly-adopted pet on the Internet. Mr. Pulcinella addressed the Foster program, which resulted in saving 805 pets in 2010 (this program was not offered by the County) as well as the Trap-Neuter-Release program for the feral cat population. In 2010, 269 cats participated in this program. Mr. Pulcinella indicated that sterilizing 134 pairs of cats potentially prevents the birth of 268,000,000 cats over a 10-year period. The Center's reduced cost programs were discussed. Mr. Pulcinella addressed the Spay/Neuter Voucher program, vaccination clinics and microchipping services. He also discussed the various promotions that have been offered by the Center, including the Felines for Five, Home 4 the Holidays and Pit Idol promotions. Lastly, he discussed the fundraising program and addressed the Center's 3 annual fundraisers as well as the formation of the Community Foundation. Partnerships have been developed with RC Quakes (Bark in the Ball Park), Outback Steakhouse, We Are Proud, Ralphs Grocery Stores, Chico's, Cars for Causes and Science Diet. Two appeal letters are sent each year and generated $9,500 in 2010. A Best Friends grant has also been received. Special City Council Meeting Regarding Animal Care and Services Department April 27, 2011 -Page 2 of 6 Mr. Pulcinella presented future goals and strategies for City Council consideration. Goal #1 included controlling animal intake as the increase in the number of animals is creating challenges in the areas of adoptions, medical care, facility cleaning, and behavioral enrichment. Goal #2 is to increase volunteer participation to assist with managing programs. Goal #3 addresses the need for deferred maintenance and facility improvements as a result of the Center's high intake rates and extended stays. In conclusion, Mr. Pulcinella thanked the City Council and the community for their support of the Animal Care and Services Center and invited questions. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Spagnolo, Mr. Pulcinella noted that only a few of the programs highlighted today were available to the community when the facility was operated by the County. He indicated to Mayor Pro Tem Spagnolo that the Center had not experienced an increase in animals as a result of pet fads or holiday pet exchanges. Mayor Pro Tem Spagnolo noted that an Ordinance, similar to the one used by West Hollywood, should be considered to prohibit the selling of animals in pet stores. It would be helpful to receive background information from West Hollywood on why the Ordinance was adopted and any available statistics on animal intake as a result of this Ordinance. Council Member Buquet requested a copy of the PowerPoint presentation and inquired about the placement partners. In response, Mr. Pulcinella indicated that the Center uses rescue groups or private non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations to place animals. Council Member Buquet inquired about the PetSmart partnerships, and Mr. Pulcinella confirmed that an employee visits these 3 locations each day, including weekends. Also discussed was the number of animals that can be housed at the Center. There is not a firm number but Mr. Pulcinella indicated that the Center is set up to accommodate about 100 dogs at any given time. Currently, there are about 155 dogs at the Center. Council Member Buquet appreciated the promotion and foster programs. It was noted that the Foster program is in its early stages and that a manual is being created. Mr. Pulcinella confirmed that the City Attorney's office is providing input on the manual. In response to Council Member Buquet, Mr. Pulcinella indicated that the Center does not euthanize animals for space but does euthanize sick and injured animals onsite. Council Member Buquet stated the misconception that the Center is a "no-kill" facility and inquired if this can be credited to the number of animals dropped off at the site. In response, Mr. Pulcinella noted that there can be a number of factors contributing to the large numbers of animals dropped off at the Center and confirmed that this could be one of them. In response to Council Member Buquet, Mr. Pulcinella discussed drop-off limitations. Currently, non- residents can not drop off their own pet nor can they drop off a pit bull. Mr. Pulcinella noted that the limitation could be expanded to not allow non-residents to drop off animals but indicated that this would discourage people from picking up and turning in a loose pet while driving through the City. Council Member Buquet inquired if the Department had looked at the numbers of pets allowed in the community and suggested that this number could be expanded to provide more homes for pets. In response, Mr. Pulcinella indicated that staff had researched this in the past and found that our limits are similar to surrounding cites. This has not been recently reviewed. If a drop off is rejected at the Center, Council Member Williams inquired if the pet is just dropped off down the street. Mr. Pulcinella indicated that this is considered abandonment and noted that the Sheriff's Department has assisted in educating people against this type of action. In response to Council Member Alexander, Mr. Pulcinella indicated that most of the recommendations in Mr. Nathan Winograd's report have been implemented and confirmed that he could provide further information to the City Council. Regarding the City's cost to house an animal; Mr. Pulcinella estimated that it was about $18.00 per day for a dog. Council Member Alexander noted that other facilities have higher adoption rates and inquired if any research or implementation of other programs had been done. In response, Mr. Pulcinella noted that this is occurring and Special City Council Meeting Regarding Animal Care and Services Department April 27, 2011 -Page 3 of 6 commented that the PricePoint program was a result of a successful effort by the Nevada Humane Society. Mayor Michael suggested that corporate donors be solicited. He recognized the positive steps that have been taken since 2007 but indicated that work is still needed to increase the adoption rate and decrease the number of animals at the Center. Eventually, the goal is not to euthanize animals. In response to Mayor Michael, Mr. Pulcinella outlined the procedures in place when people drop off animals. The material clearly states that the animal will be euthanized if placement can not be made. Margaret Coffman, a member of the H.O.P.E. rescue group, indicated that this group has never been contacted by the Animal Care and Services Department. She reported that there was a posting on February 28, 2011 that a German shepherd with puppies housed at the Center was going to be euthanized if not adopted by March 3, 2011. She wondered if euthanasia was being used to make more room at the Center. Ms. Coffman indicated that many people believe that the Center is a "no kill" facility and stated that the City needed to do a better job educating the public. Lastly, she indicated that a resident had told her that she had dropped off a cat at the Center and was told that the Center would not contact her (for possible adoption) prior to euthanizing the animal. Dana Herring noted that the Foster program needed to be expanded and spoke about how this program can benefit the adoption rate. Consideration is needed to match the best Foster home with each animal and information gathered about each pet's temperament and attributes should be placed on the Internet, on fliers and on kennel cards. Sherry Rennie stated that she started volunteering for the Center in 2010 and noted that the City had an amazing Animal Care and Adoption Center. She noted a few areas needing improvement and suggested installing guiding signs in the front lobby or having a volunteer available to guide people back to the kennels. Better collaboration of staff and the volunteers is needed in order to help with field operations and the training system. Also, Ms. Rennie noted that the cleaning staff is overwhelmed and suggested that more volunteers be recruited and trained to assist with this task. Perhaps more frequent volunteer orientations would help. Lastly, she suggested that outreach programs be established at schools and that signage be placed at the door indicating that the Center was not a "no kill" facility. Dana Keithly, the coordinator for the Best Friends grant program, indicated that volunteer orientation was every three months and suggested that this orientation occur more frequently. She wondered why the Center needed to pay for the use of a room. To offset costs, Ms. Keithly suggested that a $20 donation be collected as this has worked with other agencies. In response, Mr. Pulcinella indicated that one of the items to be mentioned at the upcoming Volunteer Workshop is expanding the number of orientations available for volunteers. Erica Cox indicated that she currently volunteers at the Center. She currently works on writing the biographies and taking pictures of the animals. Ms. Cox hoped for more collaboration between the staff and the volunteers and made the following suggestions: 1. That a seniors for seniors program be established whereby elderly pets could be taken to senior housing complexes. 2. That community outreach be done during the week. 3. That the volunteers who work with the animals be involved when the pet is adopted. 4. That more transparency is provided to the volunteers when animals are no longer at the Center (were they rescued, adopted or euthanized?). 5. Additional attention is needed to keep the kennels clean. 6. That the dog walking schedule be reviewed and modified for efficiency. 7. That an animal interest station be placed adjacent to the kennel area with pencils and paper so that people can take notes on the animals they are interested in. 8. That people leaving the Center be surveyed to determine why they choose not to adopt a pet. 9. That something be done with the lobby so that people don't have to wait in a line before viewing the animals. In response, Mr. Special City Council Meeting Regarding Animal Care and Services Department April 27, 2011 -Page 4 of 6 Pulcinella indicated that a sign has been placed in the lobby indicating that people can visit the kennels without checking in first at the lobby. Jennifer Corso noted that she had volunteered at the Center since 2009. She spoke about the need to maintain up-to-date information on the kennel cards. The volunteers often hand write notes on the cards regarding temperament, etc. This has been deemed unprofessional and the cards are retyped without the notes and showing old information. Ms. Corso noted the need to promptly remove urine and feces from water bowls. Also, she suggested that the Center organize group play days for the dogs. Ms. Corso indicated that the Center needed to focus on volunteer retention and plainly list on the Center window that this was not a "no kill" facility. She noted that the kennels should always be latched and stated that none of the kennels should be unavailable to house animals. Ondra Gilbertson stated that she volunteers at the Center walking dogs. She noted that the public needed to be educated as the Center did euthanize animals and wondered why the "no kill" concept was derailed. Ms. Gilbertson noted that a massive fostering and outreach program was needed. She indicated that the City cable channel was not being used effectively to market these pets. Ms. Gilbertson noted that the overcrowding was a community problem and stressed the need for community involvement. Many people do not know where the Center is. She suggested that a mural be painted on the building's exterior. Lastly, she suggested that the caretakers displaying the animals to the public spend some time learning about the animal they are promoting. Jim Moffatt thanked the volunteers for their hard work and dedication to the Center. He inquired about the chain of command and noted that the PowerPoint did not outline the Center's hours of operation. Regarding Goal #3 to pay for deferred maintenance and facility improvements, Mr. Moffatt expressed concerns with current expenditures and wondered how the current budget was spent. Mr. Moffatt indicated that the adoption procedures discourage adoptions, as all the people in the home need to come to the Center to interact with the animal prior to adoption. John Lyons thanked the Animal Care and Services Center for their services. He noted that when the County ran the operation, people had to quickly report to the facility or the animal would be killed. Mr. Lyons appreciated the fanfare when a pet is adopted and suggested that pictures and information about each pet be placed on the City's Internet site. He encouraged the Council to be lenient on the residents in his neighborhood when their animals flee from the sound of fireworks displays and suggested reduced rates for seniors. Terri Jacobs stated that she has volunteered at the Center since the City took over operations. Regarding the need for funding, she noted that the Center has $170,000 in unspent donations that have been sitting unused for several years. She expressed concerns with the lack of internal control. Donations are accepted for items that are never purchased. Joanne Sinkarsin indicated that she volunteers at the Center working with rabbits. She noted that all of the statistics were about dogs and cats, not rabbits. Regarding Goal #3, Ms. Sinkarsin noted that the rabbits need to be housed in a better location. Susan Keithly stated that she volunteers at the Center walking dogs. She expressed a concern with the sale of animals by stores and residents. Ms. Keithly noted even people who sit through orientations think that the Center is a "no kill" facility. She really loved the bell ringing when an animal is adopted and supported the meet and great process currently in place for potential owners. Victoria Reust suggested that the Center be open on holidays for volunteer access. Special City Council Meeting Regarding Animal Care and Services Department April 27, 2011 -Page 5 of 6 For clarification, Mayor Michael noted that the City Manager, through the Department Head, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Center. He indicated that the City Council makes the policy decisions and ultimately is responsible for City operations. Council Member Alexander suggested that another meeting be scheduled in 60 to 90 days to provide time for staff to address some of these issues and report back. Council Member Buquet noted that everyone in this room shares a common goal and hoped that staff would take the comments constructively. He pledged to help in any way that he could. Council Member Buquet noted that the Center needed to better manage its volunteer resources. Signage is needed to ensure that the public knows that this is not a "no kill" facility. Lastly, there is a need to improve availability and access to the Center, especially to the volunteers. Mayor Michael recognized that everyone is passionate about the animals. He was pleased to hear that more frequent volunteer orientation sessions and workshops are being planned. Mayor Michael indicated that a greater collaboration is needed between the staff and the volunteers, as many of the comments heard today could have been voiced internally before this meeting. The City has done an incredible job of moving from aCounty-run operation to a City facility, with a lofty goal to reach a "no kill" status in the future. Mayor Michael noted that in order to reach this goal, the Foster Care program needs to be expanded, policy issues need to be reviewed and clarified by the City Council, and successful practices in comparable cities should be researched and implemented. In closing, Mayor Michael thanked the speakers and the audience for their attendance. D. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m. Re ecffully submitted, J D bra May,"MMC A sistant City Clerk/Records Manager Approved: May 18, 2011 Special City Council Meeting Regarding Animal Care and Services Department April 27, 2011 -Page 6 of 6