Animal Response Team Advisory Committee

Hampton Animal Control Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – January 19, 2017 Present: Jim Thornton, Andy Anderson, Debbie Sheffield, Betty Bates, Melanie Paul, Dan Winters, Henry McKelvin, Steve Bond, Angie Taylor; (Staff) Annette Oakley [City Manager’s Office], Lola Perkins and Kim Karle [City Attorney’s Office]; (Guests) Deborah North [Interpreter], Kevin Myers [Director of Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services], Robin McCormick [Director of Marketing & Communications]; Dr. Theodore Dyke, and Tom Oswald [Citizens] Call to Order & Welcome Chairman Thornton called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. He welcomed everyone and asked guests and members to introduce themselves. Review Agenda & Approval of Minutes Chairman Thornton reviewed the meeting agenda. He noted that January is our organizational meeting where we elect officers and added the item under New Business. He called for a motion to approve the updated agenda. ACTION: Andy Anderson made the motion and Debbie Sheffield seconded. A vote was taken and motion passes. Chairman Thornton stated the draft minutes from the November 17, 2016 meeting were distributed for review in advance of the meeting. There being no changes, he called for a motion to approve the minutes. ACTION: Andy Anderson made a motion to accept the minutes and Dan Winters seconded. A vote was taken and motion passes. City Manager’s Report Mr. Bond reported there were two members up for reappointment, Henry McKelvin and Andy Anderson, who have both been reappointed by City Council to serve another term. He thanked them for their continued service, as well as thanked all members for their service. Animal Control Report Ms. Taylor reported Animal Control currently has three officers covering the city and that the office is closed on weekends. There is one officer on-call during the weekends and one officer will start next month, but will first need Animal Control Basic Academy training. She stated the position for Animal Control technician is posted and another position is in the interview process. Per a request from Dan Winters, she provided a report regarding 2016 dog attacks and reviewed the information (copy on file). Ms. Bates inquired how this report compares to the number of animals that get rabies shots and the number reported 1 to Treasurer’s office. Ms. Taylor stated Animal Control does not get a collection of vaccinated animals; the veterinarians are not required to notify them. Dr. McKelvin mentioned the City should have a number because the veterinarians have to send notice of vaccinated pets to the City Treasurer. Ms. Taylor stated Animal Control gets a log of licensed animals, but they do not have access to other information. Ms. Paul inquired if a stray animal constitutes a pet (that is owned by someone) and is picked up, or a stray because it is homeless. Ms. Taylor stated if an animal is not attached to a person, it’s considered a stray and is picked up. Mr. Winters thanked Ms. Taylor for her report. She stated if any committee member needed information, she will do her best to provide it. Current Issues/Trends  Coyote Issue: Ms. Sheffield stated we are rapidly approaching a problem with coyotes, which she has noticed are now traveling in packs. She stated someone has seen a pack of ten, and another saw six on a picture from their wildlife camera. She stated she has a wildlife camera on her farm and has multiple sightings in the night, but they were not in a pack. She wanted the committee to be aware that this is rapidly approaching something we may need to address. Mr. Winters stated our local coyotes have been cross breeding with wolves in the mid-west and they are larger and run in packs. He stated there has been a problem in Gloucester and mentioned other areas in the country as well. He agreed that there is a problem, which is not going away, and it will need to be addressed. Chairman Thornton inquired of Ms. Taylor about the coyote issue. She stated they get calls on wildlife, and will do their best to catch injured animals, such as opossum, skunks and raccoons, but as far as coyotes, they have only picked up a deceased one. She suggested citizens rely on Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) or a private trapper for live coyotes. Ms. Paul stated she was going to bring this issue up as well, as she saw two coyotes in her neighbor’s yard in the morning. Chairman Thornton inquired if we could have a representative from DGIF attend the next meeting to discuss coyotes. He asked Ms. Taylor to contact DGIF and see if someone is available to speak on this issue and for educational purposes. Ms. Perkins stated, in regards to the Virginia Code Sections, the Commissioner of DGIF has the control to enter into agreements with local or state agencies or others to trap and control coyotes. From a legal perspective, she agrees that the education piece is the first step, and that we may be limited by the Dillon Rule in what we can do ourselves. Ms. Perkins will look into it further.  Community Website: Mr. Anderson mentioned a website ‘nextdoor.com’, which in Hampton is divided by neighborhoods and various issues are shared with neighbors on this site. He stated one issue he has seen on this website is regarding cats and the recent Animal Control survey. He inquired if someone in Animal Control can look at the whole site to see/monitor what issues may be of interest to this committee. Ms. McCormick stated the Police and Marketing Departments post on nexdoor.com, but they do not have entire control of the post. Chairman Thornton inquired about the site. Mr. Bond stated it is a way for neighbors to communicate on any issues in their neighborhood. Ms. McCormick stated the site is set up by a private company, not the City. Ms. Taylor stated they get calls regarding things posted on Craig’s List. Chairman Thornton suggested if members see specific things related to Animal Control on the website to flag them. Ms. McCormick mentioned she will be presenting to City Council and to the public on this as educational information. Old Business  Citizen Input on Ordinance Changes – Chairman Thornton gave background on the topic. Ms. McCormick gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding the survey to show the committee where we 2  were, as of this morning. She stated the survey is open until Tuesday and Marketing will then update the information and send to Ms. Oakley so the committee has time to review it. Ms. McCormick stated we have received over 600 responses to the survey. She presented and reviewed the survey information with the committee (copy on file). After some discussion, Chairman Thornton inquired what City Council’s expectations are once the survey results are complete. Mr. Bond stated they are expecting a recommendation from this body and they wanted to hear input from the citizens. Chairman Thornton stated we have given City Council a recommendation; so after the survey results, are we to make different recommendation. Mr. Bond stated it may be after feedback from the survey and information from Animal Control, the committee may or may not change its recommendation; it is 100% up to the committee either way. Chairman Thornton stated in regards to communication with the media, he feels we should wait until we have the results of the feedback. He reminded everyone to review the bylaws, which addresses members speaking on behalf of the committee. Mr. Bond agreed and stated it’s important that this committee, as a Council-appointed Board, speak with one voice. New Business Dog Swimming – Kevin Myers stated, per the committee’s request, he contacted the surrounding areas that allow dogs swimming on the beach, and reviewed his research with the committee. He reported on the areas mentioned during the last meeting; Fort Monroe, Buckroe and Grandview. He stated the Fort Monroe Superintendent did not want to visit this issue at this time, as they are trying to figure out land usage and National Park designation. The challenges at Buckroe is we don’t have the beach frontage as Virginia Beach and the pier is not conducive. In regards to Grandview, it’s a mile walk. Ms. Bates shared concern that Grandview has wildlife. Mr. Myers agreed and said there are some endangered species there. Ms. Bates inquired about Newport News. Mr. Myers stated he has not contacted Newport News, but will do so. He mentioned there are some localities that have outdoor pools for dog swim days. Ms. Bates inquired of the committee if there needs to be a place for the animals to just get exercise, or does it have to be a place for swimming. Mr. Winters stated if you have a lab, it wants to swim. Ms. Sheffield stated she has a lab who loves to swim and will swim in any body of water you allow him. Ms. Bates feels what we have in Hampton is not up-to-par with other areas and wondered if it can be a project to budget for; create something using a grant, for example, to improve the quality of our facilities and the surrounding land. Mr. Myers stated he met Mr. Anderson at Ridgeway Park, and it was pointed out to him some needs to improve the park. This is a valid point that we need to look into to bring the quality of both dog parks up. He mentioned there are no resources set aside for this, but he hopes some current projects will be under budget and maybe funds can be used for such improvements. Ms. Bates stated maybe some organizations could assist with donations. Mr. Anderson stated there are a lot of people who use the bark park that have not purchased their bark park tags; more dogs use the park than are registered and this may need to be enforced. Mr. Bond stated in his position, part of his responsibility is to help make sure we have realistic expectations and this is going to be a challenging budget year. He wanted to make it known that we have more needs than resources and that is the bottom line. He has no doubt that Mr. Myers will work diligently and try to find funding to improve the parks, but wanted to be sure everyone understands that this is a challenging budget year. He mentioned there may be areas for public-private partnerships, as well as sponsorships. Chairman Thornton inquired of Mr. Myers, if any sort of support by this committee would make any difference to this effort. Mr. Myers stated support always helps. Mr. Bond stated there are a lot more request than funds. Mr. Winters suggested between now and the next meeting, the committee think 3 about a project to explore the possibility of donations. Mr. Myers stated he will also research Newport News and report back at the next meeting.  Organizational Structure – Chairman Thornton stated this item is referred to in our bylaws and he stated it is basically election of officers. Ms. Perkins stated the committee will need to elect a Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary. Chairman Thornton opened the floor for nominations of officers, starting with Secretary: ACTION: Dan Winters made a motion to nominate Debbie Sheffield for the position of Secretary and Betty Bates seconded. There being no other nominations, a vote was taken and motion passes. Chairman Thornton called for nominations for Vice Chair: ACTION: Debbie Sheffield made a motion to nominate Andy Anderson for the position of Vice Chairman and Betty Bates seconded. There being no other nominations, a vote was taken and motion passes. Chairman Thornton called for a nominations for Chair: ACTION: Andy Anderson made a motion to nominate Jim Thornton for the position of Chair and Betty Bates seconded. There being no other nominations, a vote was taken and motion passes.  Microchipping: Ms. Bates stated the current Legislative Session is underway and there are two Bills; one Senate Bill (SB856) and one House Bill (HB1477) that the committee may want to pay attention to. These bills relate to how they license dogs and cats. She stated there is discussion about a life-time one-time license fee, which is about $50.00, which she believes helps support things that are done in the City. Chairman Thornton inquired if in the State of Virginia is anyone required to microchip their animal. Ms. Bates responded it is not mandatory. She also stated the committee working on this could not reach consensus and it did not make it into the final report. Dr. McKelvin stated some pet owners may not be able to afford the $50.00 lifetime fee. Ms. Bates agreed and stated a good thing about having to go in once a year is getting the rabies shot. Ms. Taylor stated in her research, the Bill authorizes cities and the City of Hampton wouldn’t have to do this; it looks like a requirement. Ms. Perkins stated it is her understanding that you can elect to have a lifetime license, and if so the maximum is $50.00 and the maximum for a second animal is $1.00. She does not see where it prevents localities from keeping their status-quo, which is a yearly license. Ms. Perkins will email our lobbyist to ask her to keep an eye on the Bills. Ms. Paul stated she contacted a local delegate about microchipping and was told there is nothing that will be discussed this year. She also stated there are four or five Bills regarding cruelty to animals and she will email them to the committee.  Rabies Reporting Process: Ms. Bates requested information/report of how the rabies certification reporting is processed from the veterinarian to the City and what happens to it. She feels there are opportunities in regards to collecting funds. She inquired of the Treasurer’s Office about an estimate of those who actually come in to get the license and the response was about 50% percent. Mr. Bond stated we can look at the process, but reminded the committee that the Treasurer is a constitutional officer, elected by the people, and does not fall under the City Manager’s authority in this process, but it is a conversation we can have. Ms. Bates suggested once the Veterinarian does 4  the rabies shot and signs the paperwork, it automatically goes to the Treasurer. Steve stated he will inquire about it. Ms. Bates commended the staff at the Treasurer’s Office, stating they are always so helpful. Dr. McKelvin stated veterinarians do their job; at the end of each month they send their information to the City and don’t know what happens after that, but feels the veterinarians don’t need to process more paperwork. Ms. Bates stated she feels it’s an opportunity worth pursuing.  Animal Control Mail: Ms. Sheffield inquired about the address to use when mailing paperwork, such as for the feral cat colony. Ms. Taylor stated they currently use 40 Lincoln Street and citizens can also use 22 Lincoln Street, as long as it has ‘Animal Control’ written on the envelope. Ms. Sheffield stated she had an issue when she updated her colony information, there was no one from Hampton available at the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter, but they offered to call one of the officers. Ms. Sheffield feels this is a waste of taxpayer money and that paperwork should go directly to the Animal Control office. She also mentioned if paperwork is taken to City Hall, there is a runner who goes to the Animal Shelter, which is again, a waste of taxpayer money. She suggested that Hampton Animal Control have a mailbox at the Animal Shelter. Ms. Taylor stated they certainly can, they just did not want to cause confusion when the shelter moved to Newport News. Chairman Thornton asked Ms. Taylor to take this information under advisement and see if something should be done.  Animal Shelter: Mr. Winters stated he will send the committee some information from No Kill Hampton Roads, on a compilation of the number of cats and dogs taken in by various shelters and Animal Control in the Hampton Roads area. He shared his disappointment regarding the new animal shelter being one of the lowest in the recovery rate of animals taken there. Mr. Bond stated he sits on the Steering Committee and shared that the shelter is also a place where people can bring their animals that are very sick and may not be adoptable. They also have healthy animals that they give to other places that can be easily adopted and are no-kill. He stated these things drive the numbers up, and although they are higher and may remain that way, there are legitimate reasons. Mr. Winters also mentioned Ms. Taylor took him on a tour of the animal shelter and it’s a tremendous facility. Ms. Paul stated the animal shelter stopped giving animals to a specific organization because they were not following the rules. She inquired what are the rules and requirements that the rescue groups must follow. She was interested in the names of the various groups that get animals from the shelter. Mr. Bond inquired if she had that conversation with the shelter director, Mr. Isles, because he can provide the information. If he does not, Mr. Bond will be glad to ask him. Ms. Paul stated she will inquire of Mr. Isles in an email. Chairman Thornton suggested she copy Mr. Bond.  Animal Hero Award: Ms. Paul stated on November 21st she received an email from the Virginia Veterinarian Medical Association Board of Directors. Her dog was nominated and selected for the Animal Hero Award. She stated only one dog in Virginia gets this award and that it is her deaf dog. Ms. Paul stated the award will be given on February 18th at the Virginia Veterinarian Conference in Roanoke. On behalf of the committee, Chairman Thornton congratulated Ms. Paul. 5 Public Comment Mr. Theodore Dyke commented on the survey, stating unfortunately, it is statistically insignificant and cannot be used to justify anything. However as an alternative, 7,000 responses from people who have actually licensed their dogs with rabies tags, statistically sample that and find out how many dogs per household to get a snapshot of what is preferred inside the City. And, including dog lovers as well, then you have a justifiable way of coming up with a numbers recommendation. Chairman Thornton stated the committee did not design or draft the survey, but we will convey these comments to Ms. McCormick’s office. Mr. Bond stated we can share this information, but we will not recreate the survey. Mr. Dyke also commented on the leash law, stating it will be difficult to enforce. Mr. Bond stated City Council will make the best decision from the feedback received. Next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. Adjournment Chairman Thornton called for a motion to adjourn. Andy Anderson made the motion and Henry McKelvin seconded. Motion passes. /mao 6