March 20, 2019 MinutesMINUTES
ANIMAL CARE ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEETING
NOVEMBER 29, 2018
The Animal Care Advisory Committee of the City of Schertz, Texas held a Regular
Meeting on March 20, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex Council
Chambers Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building 44, Schertz, Texas. The
following members were present:
Brian James, Assistant City Manager
Ginger Dispain, Chair
Brooke Knowlton, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Michelle Helgren, Under Savannah's Wings
Allyson Heyward, City Council Liaison
Mark Browne, City Manager
Jacki Marbach, Administrative Assistant
Members not present:
Lisa Connolly, Homes for Pets
Call to Order
Jacki Marbach called the meeting to order at 6 :02 pm
Hearing of Residents
No residents present
Discussion and /or Action Items
1. Minutes — Consideration and/or action regarding the approval of the minutes of
the regular meeting of March 20, 2019.
Minutes approved by all four Board Members present.
Brian James briefed Allyson Heyward and the rest of the Board on City Boards and
Commissions how the committee is set up. He also talked about setting this Board up
to match the other Boards and Commissions.
2. Shelter Update
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Brian James started speaking about the shelter currently being closed and what lead up this. Brian
James stated that there when we look at a problem at the City there is not always one root of cause
with anything, there is always a series to that lead to the problems. He went on to talk about the
cleanliness of the shelter not being maintained, as it should due to maintenance not being kept up and
maintained and the increase of the current tax rate because the City as a whole needed to have better
upkeep of buildings and parks and streets.
These are things that are problematic for the Animal Shelter that causes extra work, extra time and
extra expense and keep us from operating the way we want to, for example bad irrigation, the
drainage channels, the grates that drop down. This gives the Animal Shelter staff, PD staff and
building maintenance people an opportunity to identify items that need corrections.
Brian James then stated the two big items that are big in terms of expense and big in terms of what it
may take to get it there. The sealed concrete floors were not kept up and periodically when you have
to redo them it becomes a very disruptive process to include grinding off the top layer and essentially
we were going to do half the building at time. For the safety of employees and citizens and proper
care of the animals it was determined to close down the shelter and take citizens by appointments to
look at animals and house the Animal Shelter staff in the Conference Room in the Police Department
Building. After the floorings done a thorough cleaning will have to be done as well.
Also discussed was fencing off an area with a chain link fence and putting up a gate and create
effectively a sally port similar area will do two things, contain an animal if one gets out during
transporting from vehicle to inside the shelter and to provide a secure area for staff to load and unload
as well.
Ginger Dispain then lead the discussion regarding correcting smaller stuff such as repairs to gates
and kennels, looking into better cat kennels to help better manage diseases that come in. Minor stuff
to make stuff easier. Just trying to keep track of things until the flooring is done. Brian James
expanded on the cat kennels and what they are looking for as in a long lasting solution to prevent and
contain sickness/diseases.
Brian James touched on the disruption of the building while under construction with citizens that do
come by to see animals by appointment. Ginger Dispain explained that the animals that are being
found and being brought in are being put on Pet Finder and is being updated throughout the day and
as much as possible with current and correct information.
3. Presentation of Intake Procedures
Brian James turned it over to Ginger Dispain for procedures and she updated the process
from start to finish, Animal Intake /Adoption Process attached to this packet.
Brian James explained that the animal does not go onto Pet Finder until the animal is ready
to go home, vaccinated and spayed/neutered. It is a longer process yet more efficient.
Allyson Heyward asked if after the 72hr hold is when we can identify any other behavior /illness
issues. Ginger Dispain did in fact acknowledge that after the hold as well as the holding period gives
them opportunity to look for any underlying issues as there are eyes on the animals at almost all hours
of the day.
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Dr. Knowlton also let everyone know that there is extra time and money being spent on adoptable
animals and stated that the adoption rate will be better this way, as there will be less returned animals
and we will be able to be up front and honest. Allyson Heyward stated that with the direction we are
going we will avoid issues that were brought up in the past and believes this direction is a good
choice.
Brian James stated that we will put an item on the agenda going forward on an update on the policies,
as in here is what is working and what is not that way it is discussed and not put on a shelf and
forgotten about.
Allyson Heyward talked about communication and she also asked if they worked off an actual check
list. Ginger Dispain explained she is working on a checklist for the other processes, e.g. adoption,
holding, etc.
Dr. Mark Browne joined us at 6:32 pm
4. Presentation of Cleaning Policy
Ginger Dispain went through attached policy and stated that when they are back into the
building she will have an updated more detailed policy in place. Those policies will
probably not go into effect until not the May meeting but the meeting after that.
5. Presentation of Rescue Application and review of procedures
Brian James started discussion an issue with at past rescue and some confusion with lack of
organization and miscommunication. Animals get the first run with the public before we turn to
a rescue. The application is to formalize the process.
Ginger went into how we do not investigate our rescues the way we investigate adoptions.
Ultimate goal is to give them 15 days before we send them to a rescue and get to know rescues
and give the opportunity to work with us. This application will help rescues understand our
policies, procedures and provide for a better working relationship along with doing what is best
for the animal.
Dr. Mark Browne asked how we reach out to rescues or if they reached out to the Shelter and
Ginger Dispain explained that we have some reach out to us and our process is explained,
however, typically we reach out to rescues.
Brian James suggested bringing in rescues and develop relationships with them, get to know
them and let them get to know us and we get to know them and build off of that.
Michele Helegen spoke about different rescues and how she works with the rescues and
included information on her rescue and she operates it. Along with that, she has a particular
transfer form for whomever takes the animal from that location. She talked about rescues
having total transparency and are reliable, Michele did let us know that she makes home visits
for her fosters.
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Still working to repair damaged rescue relationships and she plans of doing a file on Fosters
and doing an annual check.
6. Presentation of Animal Care Matrix
Ginger Dispain talked about items on the matrix that need to be addressed with Dr.
Knowlton such as cost, injuries, sicknesses age, bite cases etc. this of course will go by a
case by case basis, and the rough draft was handed to Board Members.
Power Point presentation from last meeting included in packet.
Michele Helegren complimented Animal Services newest vehicle addition.
Requests and Announcements
7. Announcements by the Executive Director
Brian James let the Board know he appreciates everybody being on the Board and jumping
in and if they have any suggestions feel free to contact Ginger Dispain or Jacki Marbach.
Next meeting we will talk more about going to Council to get more engagement and
operate like other Boards.
Dr. Mark Browne also expressed how much he apprcciates everyone's service.
8. Announcements by Animal Services Manager
Ginger Dispain stated she had nothing specific, just trying to logistically work
through the challenges with the flooring project. Currently fully staffed, some in
training and when fully trained we will better be able to deal with the challenges right
now. New ACO, very involved and learning and will be a great asset. Dr. Mark
Browne asked about capacity and Ginger Dispain went on to explain that we are at
full capacity right now and she does have several adoption events planned, BVYA,
Movin' on Main, HEB and Walmart.
Michele Helegren and Ginger Dispain discussed success rates at adoption events.
9. Announcements by Committee Members
Michele Helegren let us know that Lisa Connolly, Homes for Pets, is open for
Fostering mommas and babies.
10. Requests by Committee Members that items be placed on a future Animal Care
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Advisory Committee Agenda
Brain James wanted to give kudos to Ginger Dispain and the staff of the Animal
Care Services and the Police Department for the job they have been doing during
this very disruptive time frame. He also went on to particularly thank Jacki Marbach
for taking this on and doing a great job with it.
Allyson Heyward thanked Ginger Dispain for talking over and trying to square things away.
Adiournment
Brian James adjourned the meeting at 7:07 pm
Brian James,
Assistant City Manager
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3/20/19 Minutes, Schertz Animal Care Advisory Committee