HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-20-16 SBACC Meeting MinutesAnimal Control Commission Minutes December 20, 2016 6:30 p.m.
Commission Members Present: Betsy Culp, Ernest Galos, Rebecca Kaiser,
Barbara Leavell
Citizen Members Present: None
Council Members Present: None
City Staff Present: Jen Gobel, Randy Wilkerson
Agenda: Meeting called to Order at 6:30 p.m. Rebecca
Kaiser reports she is looking for the minutes of the last commission meeting to
present for approval. She reports the Rein Dog Parade went well. Four Winds
wants to do a pet expo next year and willing to do other events with free space for
booths. Randy Wilkerson suggested having Four Winds put SBACC information
on its videoboard. Jen Gobel wants to get high schools involved. Ernest Galos asks
if possible to have adoption signs flashed on scoreboard during game. Becky Kaiser
designated to look into those areas.
Randy Wilkerson indicated Ashley Kendall sought review of decision in her case.
Ernest Galos noted the appeal deadline had passed and the animal had been found
and impounded. She had been defaulted and the City presented evidence at the
hearing. In reviewing ordinance, only a decision of potentially dangerous or vicious
animal can be re- examined once a year and that is only time a decision could be
changed. Becky Kaiser indicates Ms. Kendall did not appear at all and the
characterization of habitual animal offender is correct. All Commission members
agree that the decision stands and a review must be denied.
Jen Gobel inquires if Commission would accept affidavit of parties regarding an
upcoming case in which a dog is alleged to have killed another. Owner does not
wish to go through details in testimony. Commission agrees that if parties are in
agreement on an affidavit as to facts, it will accept that in lieu of testimony to make
decision.
Randy Wilkerson indicates Stacia is now interim Assistant Manager. Wilkerson
and Gobel indicate changes in officers' schedules and that they are providing basic
equipment staff has been lacking. They intend to obtain new equipment and
computer. Wilkerson indicates new %2 ton pick -up trucks with heated /cooled dog
boxes will replace vans. Indicates budget in good shape and money was there but
not used for necessities by previous staff.
Dr. Culp asks if there is training regimen for disinfection. Jen Gobel indicates no
training for staff and animals are still going out for adoption without shots.
Animals are going out to rescue without staff signing off. She is working on getting
staff to follow protocol. Randy Wilkerson takes blame for not knowing of
deficiencies until new manager took over.
Ernest Galos asks about receiving data from Shelter. Jen Gobel indicates she is not
sure data from past is accurate. Euthanasia numbers show 65% of dogs put down
for aggression, wants more detailed break down. Even more cats being put down.
She indicates since April, 2014, 230 animals unaccounted for, 110 dogs, 120 cats.
Wants to make sure all rescues are 501(c)(3) organizations. Randy Wilkerson
indicates he believes numbers fudged regarding aggressive dogs. Will put data on
website.
Ernest Galos remarks that commission can recommend ordinance updates and that
Council committee has convened to make recommendations. Asks if that should
play out rather than duplicate work. Becky Kaiser adamantly does not want to wait
for Council Committee. States this is a power play. Randy Wilkerson indicates he
asked Valerie Schey for 90 days before Committee did anything and wants to wait
for County ordinance to pass first. Becky Kaiser indicates someone from County
committee went to South Bend Lost and Found and gave them wrong information.
Jen Gobel indicates Valerie Schey would not give her six weeks before proceeding
and indicates this is a power struggle.
Commission members indicate necessity of follow through on their decisions which
staff indicate they will provide.
On shelter operations, Randy Wilkerson indicates 217 fund is non - reverting and
has $10,000.00 for needs. Investigating what happened to additional funds. Jen
Gobel indicates she is focused on getting adoptions up and working with rescues.
Admits no transports of animals now happening as Chicago Canine Rescue will not
accept animis without Valerie Schey's involvement. She indicates CCR took 78
dogs, returnes one but their records reflect only receiving 66 dogs. Indicates Valerie
cherry- picked dogs and only 7 pit bulls were transported. Jen Gobel indicates she
wants to keep "cherry" dogs two weeks before moving them to rescue. Wants to
focus on all dogs, not just pitbulls. She plans on working with MeowMission in
February.
Ernest Galos asks if any possibility of expansion. Jen Gobel has 5 year plan to build
new facility onto property. Dr. Culp encourages PSA regarding cats. Randy
Wilkerson indicates Code Enforcement will go into community with satellite offices
that can be used for SBACC outreach. Formal hearings will be held at County -City
Building for security purposes. Next monthly meeting shosen to be January 3, 2017
at 6:30 at SBACC. Motion to adjourn, seconded, all in favor, meeting adjourned at
8:03 p.m.
Filed in GIMP'': Office
JAN 13 2017
KAREEMA. r7+_'WLER
CITY CLERK, SOUTH BENC, IN