Animal Response Team Advisory Committee

Hampton Animal Control Advisory Committee -Lawson Conference Room- Meeting Minutes - September 19, 2019 Voting Members Present: Jim Thornton, Andy Anderson, Gordy Brightbill, Dan Winters, Tiffany Young Ex-Officio Members Present: Steven Bond (Assistant City Manager), Angela Taylor (Animal Control Manager) Staff Present: Annette Oakley (City Manager's Office), Olivia Wiggins (City Attorney's Office) Guests Present: Debra Griggs (Virginia Federation of Humane Society) Call to Order & Welcome Chairman Thornton called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. He welcomed new member, Tiffany Young and asked for attendees to introduce themselves. Ms. Young gave a brief background on her role and activities. Review Agenda & Approval of Minutes Chairman Thornton reviewed the agenda. He then called for a motion to approve. ACTION: AndyAnderson made a motion to approve the agenda and Dan Winters seconded. A vote was taken and motion passed. Chairman Thornton stated the draft minutes from July 18, 2019, were distributed for review in advance of the meeting and asked if there were any changes. There being none, he called for a motion to approve. ACTION: Dan Winters made a motion to approve the minutes as written and Gordy Brightbill seconded. A vote was taken and motion passed. City Manager's Report Steven Bond reported the following items: *> The City is beginning budget season early and already held the first Capital improvement Projects (CIP) meeting, which is the five-year plan dealing with large projects. <* Cities United Conference was held in August/ which is an organization of mayors focusing on reducing youth violence in African American males by 50% by 2025. Hampton hosted the convening, which was the largest event to date and was a successful event. <* 400th Commemoration held at the end of August/ which gained national attention. It was a successful event and showcased Hampton in a great light. *> Hurricane Dorian-ln light of the recent storm, he encouraged all to be sure to have a plan for families and animals. <* WIPS Conference - Hampton is hosting Women in Public Service Conference at the Hampton Roads Convention Center today and Friday. He and Ms. Oakley are both attending. This is a regional event that focuses on public service, career progression and skills for women mainly, but is for all to attend. Animal Control Report Angela Taylor gave a brief update/ highlighting the following items: <» Hurricane Dorian - During the recent storm, the CART (Community Animal Response Team) Shelter was opened at Bethel High School, with a total of three dogs. It was a successful opening and they will continue to operate the shelter during major storms. Mr. Bond mentioned we provide the shelter, but people have an obligation to take care of any pets they bring to the shelter. <* Animal Control has been meeting with Newport News Animal Control and the Peninsula Community Cat Coalition (formerly Newport News Feral Cat Coalition) to reduce pet population through Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR) program - 'return' meaning return to a colony or person who is the caretaker. Hampton and Newport News are working together to change/combine the law, which are currently completely different. The next meeting is this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the Hampton Police Academy. Ms. Taylor stated they will be putting out a BID for cat trapper and TNR assistance (Ms. Wiggins will need to review and discuss further). <* The new Animal Control officer has left and they have a new posting for the position. *> Ms. Taylor and Officer Woolsey were both working on the road recently and received citizen compliments; Ms. Taylor also received a meal from Chic-fil-A! There was some discussion about the high turnaround with Animal Control positions. Mr. Winters suggested the City look into paying the employees more money. Mr. Anderson inquired how Hampton compares to other cities. Mr. Bond stated in general, for all positions/ Hampton is in the middle. Ms. Taylor confirmed it is the same with Animal Control officers, stating there has been an analysis done with other cities. Chairman Thornton inquired If it's appropriate to state, on behalf of the committee/for the minutes, that there has been continuing turnover and encourages the staff to look into it. Mr. Bond responded it is fine to include in the minutes/ but assured the committee this is an issue the City is aware of and is addressing it. Ms. Wiggins added that there are various factors involved. Mr. Winters stated in order to advise City Council, the committee needs to know some information. He suggested the City pay officers more to keep them and wouldn't have to keep training more people and losing them. Chairman Thornton stated the role of the committee is to advise City Council and suggested we recommend it be studied. Ms. Taylor continued with her report: *> On September 28 through October 4, she will be attending the LEAD (Leading Educating and Developing) Training in Charlottesville. Bruce Sturk recommended she attend. ^ Working on the proposed logo change for Animal Control-H.A.R.T. (Hampton Animal Response Team). The logo was shared with the committee and should be official in November, once City Council approves. Ms. Taylor asked the committee to attend the Council meeting in support; meeting date to be determined. <• Working on new uniforms - a softer look with polo shirts. <* Animal Control would like to have /A Day in the Life' of an animal control officer; to be determined. Current Issues/T rends No Report Old Business Animal Licenses: Chairman Thornton reviewed the conversation and ideas from the last meeting regarding animal licenses. He stated Ms. Oakley compiled the ideas shared for the committee to review, and two subcommittees were established. They were asked to meet and discuss ideas. Mr. Winters gave kudos regarding the animal license video that was recently shared with the committee, and suggested it be shown on television. Mr.Bond mentioned the cost would probably be an issue. Mr. Winters suggested Animal Control and the committee look at ways to get the video out to the public and funding It. He stated to get animals licensed, we need to get the public's attention. Mr. Brightbill suggested getting the information on shows such as The Coast. Mr. Anderson agreed and stated it could be approached to the news as a story. Ms. Young also suggested The Hampton Roadshow program and have a story to share. Ms. Young suggested taking the opportunity when The Hampton Road Show highlights pets for adoption/ to do a quick video at that time. Mr. Bond stated the PIO or Marketing may be able to assist with contacts at the news stations. Mr. Anderson suggested getting the video to go viral. Ms. Taylor stated when Animal Control did a recruiting video/ they had the PIO to send it out to various Facebook users and can look into doing the same, but cost may be an issue. Chairman Thornton inquired if the City can employ social media to advance their programs. Mr. Bond responded yes. Chairman Thornton suggested Animal Control consider use of social media. Ms. Young stated the story would be Animal Control rebranding itself— which would include other issues, such as animal license. Chairman Thornton agreed and stated with the H.A.R.T. 'ribbon cutting' there also comes opportunities. Proposed Ordinance: Chairman Thornton gave a recap of the discussion on the proposed ordinance, stating a presentation was given by Pawsativity " how animals are brought in and sold at retail stores - and encouraged the committee to recommend the ordinance. Ms. Wiggins stated she is drafting a potential ordinance, but there are some things she is still working on. There are some things she would like to do differently that is included in the statute and she is researching information. She can send the draft to the committee to review, which would be individual responses, as to not have a group email discussion. There was a consensus by the committee to move forward with the draft document. Ms. Wiggins will send the draft to the committee prior to the next meeting. Mr. Brightbill stated we talk about cats and dogs/ but what regulates other animals, such a snakes. Ms. Taylor stated she would need to look into it. Ms. Wiggins stated in regulating general care/ most of the statutes in the City and State code reference 'companion animal" which covers snakes, birds/ etc. New Business Trap, Neuter & Release (TNR) - Ms. Wiggins mentioned the links she sent via email and explained the Attorney General's opinion. She stated basically, under Virginia law, the biggest issue with TNR is abandoned animals. She stated the City can set up programs where people can be involved in providing resources for spay and neuter/ but the City cannot trap and return. She referenced northern Virginia, who have a program where they have cut, by 1,000, less cats that were being brought in. Ms. Young stated she met with the Humane Alliance in Washington DC and discussed the program. She stated they do not euthanize any feral cats; they will be brought in, spayed and neutered and returned. She stated the county also gives the community food for the cats/ assist with shelter, etc. Ms. Wiggins stated some of the cities, such as northern Virginia, have TNR community programs where they have community assistance. Mr. Winters stated the stumbling block is the feral cat law and inquired if there could be a way to legally take an animal to the shelter and the shelter release it. Chairman Thornton stated at some point there needs to be a meeting of the minds to deal with the issues on a community basis. Ms. Taylor stated that is what the TNR meeting that she referenced under her report is for and to change the law to help reduce the cat population. After further discussion, there was a consensus by the committee to advocate for a TNR program. Ms. Wiggins stated she and staff will move forward. Ms. Wiggins also mentioned she is doing an overhaul of the Animal Control Code and to please send any suggestions to her. She is also looking at the bylaws to see if any changes/updates need to be made. She will send the bylaws to the committee for review and any comments. Mr. Winters mentioned the bylaws state there has to be a veterinarian on the committee/which maybe restrictive. Ms. Young inquired if a veterinarian technician can serve/ instead of a veterinarian. Ms. Wiggins will look into it. Mr. Bond reminded the committee that they can make recommendations/ but ultimately City Council makes the decision. Public Comment Debra Griggs stated she was in attendance to support Virginia Pawsitivity in regards to the proposed ordinance. She also mentioned Fairfax County just celebrated their 10 year anniversary of TNR and they are a mode] jurisdiction, with a 93% save rate for cats. She spoke further on the TNR program and recommended there be a discussion on the code and then figure out the appropriation. She spoke about Alley Cat Allies in Norfolk and that they would be a good resource. She also stated, depending on state elections, there could be a movement to take on 'return to field7, which is once a cat is in a shelter, the shelter could legally return it/ which can be done in some states. Ms. Griggs also mentioned PRAS is the second worst in the State for the number of cats killed. She referred to the Petco Foundation website, clicking on Data Saves Lives tab to find the information. Closed Session Chairman Thornton entertained a motion to convene a closed meeting pursuant to the exemption from open meetings allowed by Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia, to discuss recommendations for appointments to the Animal Control Advisory Committee. ACTION: A motion was made by Dan Winters and seconded by Andy Anderson. A vote was taken and motion passes. The doors were closed. Certify Closed Session Chairman Thornton entertained a motion to certify that, to the best of each member's knowledge: (1) Only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under Virginia law were discussed, and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by the Animal Control Advisory Committee. ACTION: A motion was made by Dan Winters and seconded by Andy Anderson. A vote was taken and motion passes. Next Meeting Mr. Bond encouraged all to recommend people to apply to the Board Bank to serve on the Animal Control Advisory Committee and for current members to think about the Chair position. He thanked Jim Thornton for serving on the committee, for his leadership/ dedication, sense of humor and for serving as Chairman. There was a consensus to hold the next meeting on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. Adjournment There being no further business/ Chairman Thornton called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. ACTION: A motion was made by Andy Anderson and seconded by Dan Winters to adjourn.