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Mr. O'Connor then briefly overviewed a few more slides depicting the same information as well <br /> as the organizational chart of the staff. <br /> Mr. Wilkerson stated, We are working on the bridges the homeless frequent as well as building a <br /> better relationship with other City Departments. We are also working on more neighborhood <br /> clean-ups. We are brainstorming best ways to deal with our tire clean-up. <br /> Animal Care/Control <br /> Ms. Gobel stated, Our mission is to promote education to the public on the humane treatment of <br /> animals while fostering a respect, understanding and compassion for all creatures. Our core <br /> values are Humanity, Empathy and Approachability. She overviewed a few slides that depicted <br /> the expenditures and revenues. She continued, There is quite a bit of change in our supplies line <br /> item. A majority of that accounts for our Veterinary Fund for vaccinations. We had a slight <br /> change in personnel with the addition of a fourth animal control officer and an extra part-time <br /> internal staff member. She then overviewed slides from the presentation that depicted the <br /> expenses and revenues in graph format. She continued, We aren't picking animals up as much <br /> anymore as we are encouraging people with other alternatives in hopes to bring them in. Our pet <br /> euthanasia numbers are also down. She then briefly overviewed the organizational chart for <br /> Animal Care and Control. She continued, We are seeing an uptick in animal bites but our main <br /> goal is to decrease the animal euthanasia rate. We are also looking to switch out our vans with <br /> pick-up trucks. That will help save on maintenance. We are working on establishing a better <br /> relationship with the South Bend Animal Care and Control Commission. <br /> Committee Chair White opened the floor to questions from the Committee and Councilmembers. <br /> Councilmember Broden asked, What are your metrics with animal hold times and reducing <br /> euthanasia rates? <br /> Ms. Gobel replied, We are working on fast-tracking that process. We hold animals for five (5) <br /> days for owners to come pick them up. That is almost free room and board for that animal. If it <br /> were a stray, we only keep it for three days. So an animal we can identify the owner of,we are <br /> keeping longer than ones we don't. That doesn't seem right and it should be the other way <br /> around. Part of this has to deal with the Ordinance and there needs to be changes to that. <br /> Councilmember Broden followed up, What does the timeframe look like for those changes to the <br /> Ordinance? <br /> Ms. Gobel replied, Right now we are probably seventy-five percent (75%) through. We need to <br /> close up a lot of loopholes. At this point it's hard to say because City Legal needs to look over it <br /> all, but it will be relatively soon within the next couple months. <br /> Committee Chair White asked, Who have you involved in that process? <br /> Ms. Gobel replied, Right now I've only worked with a select few people that have some <br /> expertise in things. <br /> 3 <br />