HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-06-15 AWC Meeting MinutesAnimal Control Commission January 6th. 2015 5:30 P.M.
Commission Members Present: Betsy Culp, Ernest Galos, Rebecca Kaiser, Emily Sexton
Citizen Members Present: 1 (Rebecca's mother)
Council Members Present: Tim Scott
Others Present: Matt Harmon, Todd Howard
Agenda: No scheduled topics
In commission meeting Chairperson Ernest Galos called the meeting to order.
Matt Harmon indicated that he was attending this meeting to help the commission get started on a
direction to take as far as policies, suggestions for SBACC, and what the commission might like to see
happen at the shelter. Mr. Harmon iterated the importance of the need for volunteers at the shelter and
events.
Rebecca Kaiser mentioned she has a couple of volunteers working on tracking backyard breeders, via
the internet. She wants to focus on getting more volunteers to help with making a list of said backyard
breeders, and connect that with Code Enforcement and SBACC Officers to not only try and cut down the
amount of backyard breeding, but also fine these offenders so they are less likely to continue.
Matt Harmon suggests the commission figure out a policy they'd like to propose for backyard breeders,
should there be a notice sent out?
Ernest Galos brings up grants for spay /neuter rescues, and how SBACC could work with the City on
integrating information such as a database that could be accessed by all enforcers. This way properties
or offenders could be flagged.
Rebecca Kaiser is working with Ron Teachman and the police with a program called "See Spot Run after
Dark ". The Program consists of a group of volunteers working after hours to respond to calls regarding
various animal rescue issues. She also suggests there be a database for the See Spot Run after Dark
volunteers to track their efforts.
Matt likes this idea and brings up bite cases in our area, they are double than surrounding areas, but he
suggests this number is now double because the reporting is getting better than in previous years. He
says it would be interesting to get health records of the number of animals sent for testing compared to
past years /records.
Rebecca says more people are reporting properties with pit bulls because they are worries about dog
bites. To break stereo types of breeds she says some good events to put into place would be monthly
adoptions help at the County City Building or another location, and "Tail Wagging Tail Gating" Event.
Matt and Rebecca go on to talk about how there should be expectations on how animals are treated and
there should be accountability for breeders on "returned animals" to the shelter. Some sort of policy
should be decided, including fine amounts and how to enforce that.
Councilman Tim Scott thanks the commission before exiting the meeting and suggests to start reporting
numbers on the tracking policies mentioned earlier, and to get that going as soon as possible.
Everyone says goodbye to Tim.
Rebecca and Matt begin discussing getting together a committee of volunteers. Todd Howard suggests a
separate entity from the commission but they would have their own team to run specific areas of
interest. Also to organize special events. There is a high demand for volunteers to organize events.
Emily wonders who the commission should contact about gathering volunteers. There should be a
formal letter sent to such places requesting their volunteer services and opportunities to help.
Betsy Culp suggests schools such as Notre Dame and IUSB.
Matt wants to get people informed, not by having fundraisers but by hosting community events where
people can witness the good things SBACC is doing.
Rebecca wants to know the age limitations for volunteers and other provisions such as waivers. Matt
believes Human Resources have a new policy so we would need to check on that. Emily will follow up
with Chris V. in HR. Once we have this info, letters can be sent to schools for parents and youth.
The conversation goes on to Becky and Matt talking about having a network and building a guide. The
SBACC has a program for Community Service, Earnest wants to invite departments to tour the SBACC to
gain their interest.
Possibilities to bring all shelter animals to the County -City Building for adoptions, as well as some type of
traveling licensing and vaccination van. It will be affordable and advocate for lower- income pet owners
without vehicles. FransFund, ultra low cost mobile help.
Goals: Policies & Volunteer programs
Todd updated that there were 28 adoptions in December 2014
Next time: Becky will compile database for next meeting, Emily will talk to HR regarding volunteer
policies, see exactly what is being enforced and suggest changes