01/02/87 Board of Public Works Special Meeting Minutes

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�j/i- 1 1+ SPECIAL MEETING JANUARY 2, 1987 At this point, Mr. Leszczynski advised Ms. Lacopo that he understands she would like answers to her questions and suggested that she put her questions and concerns in writing and submit them to Mrs. DeClercq who will provide answers as well as names of kennels and veterinarians that the City intends to utilize. He stated that the City is currently in the process of negotiating with kennels and veterinarians but will get that information to Ms. Lacopo as it becomes available. Ms. Lacopo inquired what instructions were given to the Street Department regarding dead animals. She advised that as recently as today, the Street Department has been to the Shelter with dead animals. She stated that the City does not have a contract with the Humane Society to store those animals. Mrs. DeClercq advised Ms. Lacopo that the City is aware of this aspect and is working on procedures which will be made available to the Humane Society when they are in place. Deputy Mayor Hartzer inquired of Mr. Curt Koesters of Animal Services Company, that assuming negotiations and details are worked out effective February 2, 1987, how the company would assume the role of provider of animal control services for the City of South Bend. Mr. Koesters stated that he would anticipate meeting with the Humane Society Board as well as local veterinarians regarding aspects of the operation. Common Council President Beverlie Beck reminded Board members that the County pays $4,500.00 per month for Humane Society services of which the City pays $2,000.00 as City residents through county taxes. She stated that the City is, therefore, entitled to $2,000.00 worth of service and asked if the Board had given any thought to asking the County to cover the additional expense for the City. Deputy Mayor Hartzer advised Mrs. Beck that the City has not made that request. Deputy Mayor Hartzer stated that the City has been accused of not paying its fair share to the Humane Society for animal control services and the City is not interested in being a burden on the Humane Society. In response to Mr. Hartzer's inquiry whether or not the City has ever received any financial data from the Humane Society, Mrs. DeClercq responded that the City has not. Reiterating, Mr. Leszczynski stated that Animal Services Company would provide service seven (7) days per week as opposed to the most recent six (6) day service provided by the Humane Society and currently proposed five (5) day service. Mr. Koesters of Animal Services Company confirmed Mr. Leszczynski's statement. Ms. Cindy Searfoss, 318 East Eckman, South Bend, Indiana, addressed the Board and stated that she is an employee of the Humane Society and urged support to keep the animal control business in the community instead of with an an out-of-state company. She stated that it is possible that employees of the Humane Society may lose their jobs because of the animal control services contract not being awarded to the Humane Society. Mr. Koesters advised that Animal Services Company intends to bring in one (1) person, a former director of a Humane Society, to run the operation in South Bend. Other individuals that will be employed will be hired from this community. Mr. Leszczynski stated that Animal Services Company would become a local business based in our community. Ms. Karen Radican, 1614 West Ewing Street, South Bend, Indiana, an employee of the Humane Society, addressed the Board and stated that to date, the City administration has not made a site inspection of the Humane Society facilities. Ms. Radican inquired if an inspection would be made of the facilities of the Humane Society and Animal Services Company.