HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/26/92CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
May 26, 1992
5:30 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Roll Call: Mayor Manning, Dell, Buck, Budak, Angel, Lemke, Fox and
Wright.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the animal control
services provided by the Animal Control Department as was suggested
during the development of the F.Y. 1993 budget. As a result, a
proposal to contract for animal control services with the Black
Hawk Humane Society was solicited.
John Meyer, Public Works Director, recommended that we do not
eliminate the current animal control services as the city can
provide said services at a lesser cost to tax payers. He noted
that the current level of service provides 12 hours of service,
seven days a week at an approximate cost of $161,000 which includes
a $58,000 annual contract for shelter services with the Humane
Society. He noted that Cedar Falls contracts all animal control
services with the Humane Society at a cost of $70,000 per year
which provides coverage for 25 hours per week. At the invitation
of the city, Tom Colvin, Director of the Black Hawk Humane Society,
provided the proposal.
Mr. Meyer noted that the F.Y. 1993 budget contains an allocation of
$156,000 for operation of the Animal Control Department which
reflects a reduction of one position to 3/4 time. An allocation of
$165,000 would have provided full funding for the department at the
existing service level.
The proposals submitted by Black Hawk Humane Society were reviewed.
The first proposal would provide full service at a cost of
$149,500. The second proposal of $123,500 would result in a
significantly reduced level of service. This fee would not include
pick up of owned animals or handling of dead animals. It would
also not include addressing barking dog complaints; all wild animal
calls would be referred to the Department of Natural Resources.
The Humane Society would not be obligated to existing city
employees in either proposal. The Council could either accept or
modify the Humane Society's proposals or the Department would live
within the existing allocated budget and proceed accordingly.
Mayor Manning introduced members of the Black Hawk Humane Society
Board.
Rosemary Hayes, Business Representative of Teamsters Local 238,
stated her opposition to the privatization of animal control
services. She stressed that privatization results in loss of
public control and loss of employment. She noted that her
involvement with this issue has been very enlightening in terms of
duties of the animal control officers.
Sharon Spears, Animal Control Officer, listed a myriad of
departmental responsibilities noting that they have embarked on an
aggressive licensing program and has increased the number of
animals licensed in the city significantly in the past year. In
addition, the officers address many public inquiries, talk to
school kids, perform wild life trapping and address many unsanitary
conditions and work to resolve them.
Councilperson Lemke noted that the city took over animal control in
1974 as the public demanded more service than the Humane Society
could provide.
Councilperson Angel noted that actual cost savings to the city
could only be calculated after figuring the cost to other city
departments. It was noted that the Police Department would absorb
several of the duties the Humane Society would not provide. It was
noted that eventually there would be cost savings to the city after
unemployment benefits have run out. Councilperson Dell suggested
City Council Work Session
May 26, 1992
Page 2
that the public be charged for taking unwanted dogs to the Humane
Society. Although this has been a recommendation of the Citizens
Budget Review Committee, no fee has been established.
Councilperson Buck suggested down -sizing the services we offer to
the public. Mayor Manning stated that the issue becomes reducing
services or contracting with the Humane Society. Most often those
that want a decrease in city taxes do not want any reduction in
city services; therefore, such a decision is very difficult.
Rosemary Hayes provided a log of Police Department telephone calls
relating to animal control services. The Department already
handles a significant number of calls.
Councilperson Budak suggested that we remain with the in-house
operation and maintain control of the services. Councilperson Dell
stated that he did not feel any sentiment to contract out the
services.
Forrest Dillavou, 1725 Huntington Road, suggested that there may be
other alternatives to producing revenue including an increase in
dog pick up fees. The possibility of soliciting donations and
increasing fees for licensing were discussed.
Mayor Manning thanked the Humane Society board members for
attending and for the opportunity to discuss this matter.
It was noted that city staff will continue to look for improved
ways to increase revenue and provide an acceptable level of
service.
No official action was taken by the Council.
With no further business before the Council, the meeting was
adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor