Animal Shelter Advisory Committee

Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes October 14, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting via ZOOM I. CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order by Chair Dr. Jeff Jorgensen at 12:02 PM. II. ROLL CALL In attendance: Dr. Jeff Jorgensen, Gail Sharp, Briana Brecher, Steven Heath, Dale Nave, and Jonathan Coco arrived late. Members not in attendance: Jeanne Saadi and John Trinidad. Quorum present. III. 30 MINUTE CITIZEN COMMENT PERIOD Each speaker signed up prior to the noon deadline day before meeting, will be called in order of sign-up, and will be allowed three minutes to speak about items posted or not on the agenda Jennifer Hayes discussed how impressed she was with the ease and efficiency of uploading photos to PetPoint. Now photos can be uploaded the same day she takes them. Secondly, she requested that the committee honor evening meeting requests on an alternating basis. Lastly, she mentioned the social media/Facebook page and stated staff who are knowledgeable about the adoptable animals need to be the ones posting the information. Also, she suggested the use of actual shelter animal photos instead of stock photos or older photos not reflective of the animal’s current state. IV. MINUTES: Consider approval, by motion, of the February 5, 2020 meeting minutes. MOTION made by Gail Sharp to approve February 5, 2020 minutes as written. Seconded by Steven Heath. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried. V. PRESENTATIONS A) None VI. ITEMS FOR ACTION/DISCUSSION A) Discuss and consider action to provide Council with recommendation for updating Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, Code of Ordinances, Sec. 2.367 Powers and Duties. Meeting with Jeanne Saadi to review Code of Ordinances, Sec 2.367 Powers and Duties was initially postponed due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements. Meeting further postponed until Jeanne Saadi is available. B) Mutt Strutt fundraising event results. Due to COVID-19, the annual Mutt Strutt event was cancelled this year. C) Schedule Special meeting with Jeanne Saadi with presentation. Meeting postponed until Jeanne Saadi is available. VII. REPORTS A) Staff Report: Pawsitive Outcomes Implementation Plan Update DerryAnn informed the Committee that the report for the past year is being finalized. However, with the addition of a second Program Coordinator, foster and rescue efforts assisted the success in the live outcome rate, as well as intake diversion activities. Funding and activity will be tracked by year. The FY21 focus will be on free or low-cost initiatives. B) Staff Report: Quarterly Reporting Christie Banduch stated the numbers are still being finalized. The transition from Shelter Track to Pet Point has caused some delay in the process. Intakes are down, possibly due to COVID-19. Live outcome rate for 2020 has consistently been over 90% and trends show we should continue to stay above 90%. Dr. Jorgensen mentioned how impressed he was that so many rescue groups were willing to take in some of the more severe medical cases that he has seen. C) Staff Report: Donations Reporting (heartworm treatment, general, other) Melinda Perez mentioned the two grants that Jeanne Saadi obtained as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. One being a Maddie’s Fund grant for $2,500 and the second an ASPCA grant for $22,500. Some grant funds were used to purchase foster program supplies and food for the neonatal kittens. The ASPCA grant is funding the newly founded Furr-Get-Me-Not program. Additional donation funds are used to cover medical supplies and services. D) Staff Report: General Shelter Updates DerryAnn Krupinsky informed the Committee of the operational modifications to adhere to the COVID- 19 social distancing requirements, such as using a scheduling program and limiting the number of guests in the shelter at a time. Also, the shelter software system transitioned to PetPoint effective October 1, 2020 and staff are still adjusting. Last, the new Program Coordinator starts on Monday, October 19, 2020. Steven Heath asked DerryAnn to elaborate more on the Fur-Get-Me-Not program. DerryAnn explained the assistance available to eligible Hays County residents who are unable to care for their pets as a result of COVID related losses and financial struggles. E) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS (motions to place an item on an agenda for a regular committee meeting) Discuss and consider items for future agendas. 1. Lauren Martin to provide an update on the PALS spay/neuter program 2. Schedule December 9th meeting for 6PM Briana Brecher asked for a copy of the last state inspection report. DerryAnn replied that it has been almost a year and we expect the inspector again soon. Report will be distributed. Dr. Jorgensen asked if we discussed with adopters the medical services that are covered by the shelter at time of adoption. Christie Banduch and Gail Sharp both mentioned that the information is covered with adopters at time of adoption and paperwork is also sent with adopters. DerryAnn Krupinsky mentioned that recently revised adoption documents elaborate on the language previously included. F) QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WITH PRESS AND PUBLIC Sharri Boyett – Can you explain how the live outcome rate is determined? What is excluded? Christie Banduch – ASILOMAR formulas are used to determine our data. Excluded are owner surrenders for euthanasia, but it is a very small number. Kelly Arthur – Are donation funds used to provide heartworm treatment? Melinda Perez – Yes, we do pay Animal Care Center for heartworm treatments with some donated funds. Dr. Jorgensen – And the shelter pays for the medication used, at cost. Sharri Boyett – Can community cats be spayed/neutered without being impounded? Christie Banduch – There is a lot of foundation work to implement a TNR/SNR program that is effective. We are working towards it.  Jennifer Hayes – Are owner requests for euthanasia for medical reasons automatically done? Christie Banduch – No, we do not automatically euthanize their pets. We take those requests on a case by case basis and while we try to respect the owners’ wishes, decisions are always made in the best interest of the animal. G) ADJOURNMENT MOTION made by Dale Nave to adjourn. Seconded by Steven Heath. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 12:38 PM. Notice of Assistance at the Public Meetings: The City of San Marcos is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Individuals who require auxiliary aids and services for this meeting should contact the City of San Marcos ADA Coordinator at 512-393-8000 (voice) or call Texas Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 7-1-1. Requests can also be faxed to 855-461-6674 or sent by e-mail to ADArequest@sanmarcostx.gov. For more information on the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, please contact Melinda Perez at 512-805-2696.