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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/07/2012 County of Kern City of Bakersfield Zack Scrivner, Supervisor – Vice Chair David Couch, Vice Mayor Mike Maggard, Supervisor Ken Weir, Councilmember Staff: Jen Woodard, Director, KC Animal Control Staff: Tammy Davis, Animal Control Supervisor Matt Constantine, Director, KC Public Health Steven Teglia, Asst. to the City Manager Kern County Animal Control Commission Michael Yraceburn, Chair SPECIAL MEETING OF THE METRO BAKERSFIELD ANIMAL CONTROL COMMITTEE AND SPECIAL MEETING OF THE KERN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS November 7, 2012 - 11:30 a.m. City Hall North 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 First Floor, Conference Room A AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT ROLL CALL 11:30 a.m. 1. Public Presentations Liz Keogh provided the Committee with copies of comments regarding the October 24, 2012 meeting. 2. Deferred Business A. Approval of Michael Yraceburn as Chair, Zack Scrivner as Vice Chair Motion by Councilmember Ken Weir, second by Supervisor Mike Maggard. All Ayes. B. Approval of Future Meeting Dates Through The End of 2012 Motion by Supervisor Zack Scrivner, second by Vice Mayor David Couch. All Ayes. C. City / County Programs Update Assistant to the City Manager Steven Teglia provided updates on the following programs: Metro Bakersfield Animal Control Committee November 7, 2012 Page 2 1. Canvassing program: A total of 3,852 houses visited on 204 different streets in 14 different beats within the City limits, with 818 notices to comply issued and 157 citations issued. The program will continue through January 2013. 2. Free Microchip Pilot Program: 277 of 500 microchips implanted. Next scheduled outreach event to be held November 17, 2012 at Beale Park from 9:00 am to 12:00 p.m. 3. Dissemination of Committee information on the County’s and City’s webpage. Kern County Animal Control Director Jen Woodard provided the following updates: 1. Microchip Services at the Shelter: Free microchip services at the shelter began on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 with a total of 71 microchips implanted. Services are provided during shelter hours and will be available at outreach clinics held. The implanting of microchips is being provided to dog and cat owners. A total of 121 chips have been implanted since microchip services began. 2. Rachel Ray SPCA Challenge: Held from August through October. The challenge is an effort to promote adoption; a total of 1,228 animals were adopted. 3. Home for the Holidays: $20 dog adoptions and $10 cat adoptions. The program runs through January 4, 2013. Additional holiday theme events will be scheduled around the holidays. 4. Fabulous Fall Fix: Program is specifically for Lake Isabella residents. Angel Dogs will be providing spray and neuter services, County staff will be on hand for microchiping and licensing. Individuals seeking additional information may contact Angel Dogs. Vice Mayor Couch asked for a detail report regarding how many microchips have been implanted in the Metro Bakersfield and how many have been implanted outside of the Metro Bakersfield area. Julie Johnson with the SPCA asked if the County would be charging for implanting a microchip if an animal is not licensed and if licensing information was being recorded. Ms. Woodard stated that there would be no charge to all animals at the shelter. Contact information is also being documented. Motion to receive and file made by Supervisor Maggard, second by Vice Mayor Couch. All Ayes. D. Shelter Status / Condition Update Ms. Woodard provided the following updates: 1. Freezer: The Committee was presented with pictures of the current freezer. Exploration of a new freezer is being expedited. 2. Facility Limitations: The Committee was presented with pictures of the current conditions of the animal kennels, the feral cat housing unit, and the medical attending area. E. Update on Immediate Shelter Improvements Mr. Teglia stated City and County staff had met on several occasions to prioritize improvements. Several additional projects not listed in the agreement adopted by the Board of Supervisors and the City Council, are also currently underway. Metro Bakersfield Animal Control Committee November 7, 2012 Page 3 City General Services Superintendent Nick Fidler stated several projects are being reviewed and prioritized based on safety, operation, and maintenance. 1. Concrete was poured to create a sidewalk leading from the intake and licensing building to the adoption building. 2. Installed stainless steel grate in the soon to be puppy quarantine room. 3. An electric fence is being installed in the intake area to create a visual screen between the adoption area and the current freezer. 4. Fencing between the kennels was removed for cleaning and the visual barriers between the dog kennels and the horses are also being installed. 5. A pad was prepared for the County’s mobile spay and neuter vehicle adjacent to the new intake facility. The vehicle is also being prepared for connection to the facility to provide communication between the surgeon and intake staff. 6. Shading canopies will be installed to provide additional shading to the dogs. 7. A canopy with signage will also be installed in the front of the building to help identify a visual entrance to assist visitors coming to the facility. Ms. Woodard presented the Committee with pictures of the facility improvements. Motion to receive and file made by Vice Mayor Couch, second by Supervisor Scrivner. All Ayes. F. Update on Discussion with George Miers Mr. Teglia stated Mr. Miers had agreed to enter into an agreement with the City and County for consulting. To expedite the process, the City will enter into an independent contractor agreement with Mr. Miers, paid for by the City and County. Initial scope of work provided by Mr. Mier’s will include: - Attendance to several Committee meetings; - Development of a strategic plan including recommendations of future design elements of the existing facility and or a future facility including programs; and - Different strategies which can be used in achieving the Committee’s goal to reduce the population of animals being taken in and increase the number of animals adopted. Motion to receive and file made by Councilmember Weir, second by Supervisor Scrivner. All Ayes. 3. New Business A. Discussion Regarding Development of Equitable Cost Sharing Kern County Public Health Director Matt Constantine reported that City and County staff have meet in the past to evaluate shelter costs and revenues but an agreement was not fully reached. County staff has reviewed a green waste agreement between the City and County which may be utilized as a template to construct an agreement regarding animal control services. Kern County Public Health Deputy Brynn Meek described several similarities in the green waste agreement which could be incorporated in the animal control agreement such as: Metro Bakersfield Animal Control Committee November 7, 2012 Page 4 - Quarterly Billing and Reporting; - Pro-Rata share of actual cost based on intake; - Auditing of the allocation factor, animal intake; - Budgeting process to involve both parties to allow for comments; and - City and County promotion and operation of the single facility. Mr. Teglia thanked Ms. Meek for her overview of the green waste agreement and agreed City and County staff can look into that potential model further. The City is being asked to participate at a higher level than in previous years, and as such, more review of the specifics associated with the costs of running the facility would be necessary. Supervisor Scrivner requested a preliminary report be prepared for the November 21, 2012 meeting. Committee Chair Michael Yraceburn requested staff to provide additional details on the actual costs to care for the animals at the shelter and asked if all the minor improvements the City is making to the animal shelter are being considered as a cost in further discussions. Mr. Teglia stated that current ongoing improvements are a part of the exiting one year agreement between the City and the County. Mr. Constantine stated the cost of current improvements are incorporated into current discussions because several additional improvements, such as rescue programs, extended operating hours, enhancement to the foster program, and developing outreach programs, may have an ongoing cost associated with them. Before any changes are implemented, they must be discussed by both the City and County. There will be costs and savings in the partnership but a process must first be developed to determine how each will be shared by the County and City. Vice Mayor Couch requested staff report on what programs are included and how much is budgeted for each one. B. Discussion Regarding Development of Joint Power Agreement and Alternatives Kern County Chief Deputy County Counsel Teri Bjorn provided the Committee several formation options available for dealing with Animal Control Services, including: - Joint Power Authority (JPA): Most utilized entity to oversee Joint Governmental functions. A JPA is easily formed and documented with the Secretary of State and the State Controller’s office and is easily terminated. It is subject to public transparency, the Brown Act, the Public Records Act, and the Political Reform Act. The JPA can issue revenue bonds and apply for grants. It can be expand to include additional public entities and can contract with non-profit organizations. - Detailed Form of Agreement: Similar to the existing agreement which acts as a Memorandum of Agreement. It sets parameters for long term goals and allows flexibility on accomplishing short term goals. It can be expanded into a long term agreement which includes details pertaining to land, maintenance, operation, funding, and other issues. No entity is formed. This agreement is a negotiated two party agreement with no established mechanism for public input. No abilities for financing. Metro Bakersfield Animal Control Committee November 7, 2012 Page 5 - Non-profit Public Benefit Corporation 501 C3: This type of agreement is very difficult to form and document. Article of incorporations and bylaws have to be filed, initial and ongoing filling fees have to be paid, and annual corporate tax filings also have to be documented and reported. Members of the public are also allowed to sit on the Board. County Counsel’s recommendation would be to utilize a JPA to accomplish what the Committee desires to achieve in Animal Control Services. Mr. Teglia stated an epanded version of the current agreement would be the City’s preference. Public comment would be accepted at City Council and Board of Supervisors meeting, and the continuation of the current Committee. City Attorney Ginny Gennaro stated there is a misconception between forming a Joint Powers Authority and creating a Joint Powers Agreement. The Committee has requested staff review the greenwaste agreement and provide a report on how it can be incorporated into Animal Control services which would reflect a more detailed form of agreement. Ms. Johnson with the Bakersfield SPCA stated what the Committee recommends to do may also affect what kind of partnerships can be formed with third parties which also affects the kind of funding they can apply for. Mr. Teglia stated Ms. Johnson’s comment should not be overlooked, partnerships with organizations like the SPCA are an integral part of the success of improving overall animal care services. Supervisor Scrivner requested the item be continued to the next meeting. The best structure is one that will allow the most opportunities for funding. Mr. Miers consulting services may be able to provide an analysis of which approach would be best for all involved. Supervisor Maggard asked that Mr. Mier’s analysis also include information on lowering the costs of labor to operate the shelter. A benefit of forming a JPA is being able to contract certain services including employees, which could be hired at a lower cost. Councilmember Weir asked for details on funding options available to third parties and what kind of partnerships are required to receive funding. 4. Committee Member Announcements or Reports None ADJOURNMENT 1:02 p.m.