HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-10-27 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY BOARD
October 27, 2005
ITEM 1 —CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Animal Shelter Advisory Board was called to order by Dr. Gayla Maas
at 11:09 A.M. at the City of Euless Animal Control Shelter, 1517 Westpark Way, Euless,
Texas 76040.
The following members were in attendance:
Gayla Maas, D.V.M.
Michelle Benton
Clyde Cullum
Staff Support: Ron Young, Larry James, Chris Barker, Cynthia Daniel
ITEM 2 - REVIEW AND APPROVE MINUTES FROM MEETING OF AUGUST
25, 2005
Dr. Maas asked if there were any questions regarding the minutes of August 25, 2005.
Dr. Maas entertained a motion for approval of the Minutes of August 25, 2005. Dr. Maas
made the motion and Clyde Cullum seconded the motion. Motion approved.
ITEM 3 - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPRECIATION DINNER
Appreciation Dinner is November 14, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.
ITEM 4 - FY05 BUDGET REVIEW
Discussed budget. Exceeded budgeted amount on everything and particularly overtime.
Budget is underfunded. Donations from Wal-Mart and others has reduced the amount
spent on food for animals. Will monitor it going into the FY06 budget.
ITEM 5—FY06 BUDGET PREVIEW
The budget is the same as last year except for an increase in the salary amount. Clyde is
not aware of any items that will be needed in this budget year other than a new freezer
and a copier.
ASAB Meeting
Page 2
August 25, 2005
ITEM 6—SHELTER FACILITIES EVALUATION
Ron mentioned the city may start on the new Public Works facility this coming year.
This will put the Animal Shelter closer to the Public Works facility. Increase in
construction prices are a concern.
ITEM 7 -REVIEW REPEAT CALLS/OFFENDERS
Animal Shelter has received anonymous letters and pictures in the mail regarding horses
on Symonds property on Glade Road. Every time they go out there to check the property
there have only been two horses there. Clyde said the complaints appear to be
unfounded.
Animal Shelter has not received any recent complaints about barking dogs at residence in
Heritage Place subdivision. No complaints from the lady on Sagebrush in a year. Larry
went out to talk to the lady on Ector Drive regarding a dog. Animal Shelter hasn't heard
from pilot on Harwood Rd. about barking dog in 7-8 months. Still have the pigeon
problem, but no one is complaining.
ITEM 8 - UPDATE ON DANGEROUS ANIMAL VS. VICIOUS ANIMAL LAWS
OF OTHER CITIES
Dr. Maas distributed articles on breed specific bans. She quoted the Texas law that states
that a county or municipality can have whatever restrictions on dangerous laws but
cannot be specific to one breed or several breeds of dogs, therefore, that rules the city out
of enforcing a pit bull ban. City can penalize the owners for the actions of the dogs that
have a history of being agressive.
Discussed licensing/registration fees. The fee for unaltered animals should be more. Dr.
Maas told what Harris County used to charge but has since abandoned because it was
hard to enforce. She said it would be too hard for us to go door to door to enforce but it
would be enforceable if we have an animal at large. Harris County used to charge a
$300/year registration fee per year for unaltered animals and $3 fee for a three year
license for altered animals.
Discussed the pros and cons of mandatory city registration of animals and selective
enforcement and what a few other cities have done including the cities of Fort Worth,
Bedford and Colleyville. Dr. Maas mentioned a law that the state of Illinois has
regarding agressive dogs that are repeat offenders. It carries a felony charge and a fine
up to $25,000 for a repeat offense.
ASAB Meeting Minutes
Page 3
August 25, 2005
Dr. Maas and Clyde think our vicious dog law is good.
Ron asked Dr. Maas if there was anything else she would like the staff to work on,
investigate or change regarding registration. Dr. Maas stated she would like to see
mandatory registration.
Clyde or Michele will get a copy of Colleyville's ordinance for the next Board meeting.
Discussed pros and cons and cost of microchips for dogs.
Discussed length of time for registration, fee amount and cost of tags.
Discussed problems city has with backyard breeders.
Will further discuss mandatory registration at the next Board meeting. Find out more on
what other cities do and what is feasible for Euless to do .
ITEM 9 - CUSTOMER SERVICE REPORT
Larry James distributed the Customer Service Report. Ron noted that the number of
wild animals picked up has increased. He asked if there were any particular trends in the
categories that should be noted.
Larry said the number of apartment calls is the same.
Clyde noted that citations are down. Having animals altered before leaving the shelter
has helped decrease the number of citations.
Citizens are still not filing complaints with municipal courts.
ITEM 10 - BOARD MEMBERS OR CITIZENS REQUESTS OF ITEMS OF
INTEREST TO BE ADDRESSED BY STAFF AND/OR PLACED ON FUTURE
AGENDAS
Discussed the miniature horse which is used as a service animal that was in an apartment.
Larry spoke to the owner and he intends to move it to another trainer's facility.
ASAB Meeting Minutes
Page 4
August 25, 2005
ITEM 10—ADJOURN
Dr. Maas asked if there was other business to be considered by the Board. There being
none, Dr. Maas entertained the motion to adjourn and made the motion and Clyde
seconded it. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:59 A.M.
APPROVED:
B • r 1-`.i��
ATTEST:
By:
Cynthia Daniel
Administrative Assistant