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

Home Browse Search

t� SPECIAL MEETING JANUARY 2, 1987 Mr. Leszczynski stated that he has not inspected the operation of the Humane Society. Deputy Mayor Hartzer informed those present that Animal Services Company has provided references which have been contacted and indicated that those names would be made available to anyone interested as well as any other information made available by Animal Services Company. Ms. Radican was informed that no on -site visits of facilities were planned by the City administration. Ms. Hazel Rusk, 1212 East Jefferson, South Bend, Indiana, inquired who was going to pay for the facilities to operate this business as well as the medical staff required and wondered if the City was going to have to pay for these start-up costs. Deputy Mayor Hartzer informed her that Animal Services Company is the capital investor. Ms. Rusk inquired of Mr. Koesters how the company was going to make a profit on the $137,000.00 proposed contract amount. Mr. Koesters stated that a budget analysis was prepared and all aspects have been included and are within the budget. Ms. Sue Norris, 1217 Bruce Street, South Bend, Indiana, a taxpayer, stated that quantity hours and quantity pick-up are not the only concerns but so is humane service. She stated that as a schoolteacher she has had occasion to be acquainted with the Humane Society's humane education program which is a wonderful program and wondered if the community would be losing that program. Deputy Mayor Hartzer reiterated that several criterion were considered in making this decision which included the cost of service as well as the quality of service. Based on information the City has received from references contacted, a determination was made that the City negotiate with Mr. Koesters. Deputy Mayor Hartzer stated that the City has taken all the steps it can take at this time to address those concerns. Mrs. Joseph Szekendi, 2025 Prairie Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that in the past she has adopted pets from the Humane Society and is pleased with their service. She further advised that she is a resident of the Rum Village area where her neighbors dogs occasionally "get away." She stated that she does not understand why the City is losing the services of the Humane Society. Mr. Leszczynski stated that the City is not going to lose good service. The City is looking for a better way to increase the level and quantity of service provided to the community. Common Council President Beverlie Beck inquired if the Humane Society would continue its humane education program. Ms. Theresa Lacopo stated that the Board of the Humane Society would have to decide that matter. Councilman Thomas Zakrzewski stated that in regards to the previously mentioned matter of a site inspection of the Humane Society facilities, perhaps a representative should be sent to Sioux City, Iowa, to inspect the facilities of Animal Services Company in that location. Deputy Mayor Hartzer stated that that was a viable option. Councilman John Voorde addressed the Board and stated that he is not happy with the way things are going. He stated that with the costs of special arrangements and special contracts, the money that the City will be spending in the next month could be given to the Humane Society and then no problem would exist. He stated that the City is in a regrettable situation.