DuPage County Animal Services Committee met Aug. 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. CALL TO ORDER
7:30 AM meeting was called to order by Chairman Brian J. Krajewski at 7:33 AM.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: DeSart, Eckhoff (arrived at 7:35am), Garcia, Krajewski, Rutledge
ABSENT: Tornatore
A quorum was present in the room.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment.
4. CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS - CHAIR KRAJEWSKI
No Chairman’s remarks.
5. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Animal Services Committee - Regular Meeting - Jun 15, 2021 7:30 AM
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dawn DeSart, Vice Chair SECONDER: Paula Deacon Garcia, District 2 AYES: DeSart, Deacon Garcia, Krajewski, Rutledge ABSENT: Eckhoff ABSENT: Tornatore |
A. AS-P-0330-21 Recommendation for the approval of a contract to Butler Animal Health Holding Company, LLC, for the purchase of veterinary pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for DuPage County Animal Services for the period August 25, 2021 through August 15, 2022, for a contract not to exceed $74,000, per low bid #118-053-JM, third of three (3) available options to renew.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sheila Rutledge, District 6 SECONDER: Paula Deacon Garcia, District 2 AYES: DeSart, Deacon Garcia, Krajewski, Rutledge ABSENT: Tornatore, Eckhoff |
Member Rutledge inquired as to how long Dr. Von Waldau has been assisting DCAS on the vehicle. Laura confirmed that this is the fourth year Dr. Von Waldau has been assisting us with high volume spay/neuter.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dawn DeSart, Vice Chair SECONDER: Paula Deacon Garcia, District 2 AYES: DeSart, Deacon Garcia, Krajewski, Rutledge ABSENT: Tornatore, Eckhoff |
A. Budget Transfers -- Recommendation to approve a Budget Transfer for Animal Services 1100-1300: For a total transfer of $1,700.00. Transfer Funds of $1,000.00 from Account #53090 to Account #52220 (Wearing Apparel) to cover the cost of uniform apparel for new and existing staff members. Transfer funds of $500.00 from Account #53090 to Account #53800 (Printing) to cover cost of printing literature for the public and veterinary partners. Transfer funds of $200.00 from Account #53090 to Account #53600 (Dues & Memberships) to cover the cost of veterinary association dues.
Member Eckhoff joined the meeting at this time (7:35am).
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sheila Rutledge, District 6 SECONDER: Paula Deacon Garcia, District 2 AYES: DeSart, Deacon Garcia, Krajewski, Rutledge ABSENT: Tornatore, Eckhoff |
Laura shared that DCAS currently has a mom and eight newborn puppies in foster care. They will be going up for adoption soon.
It has been a very busy season. DCAS has been caring for approximately 200 animals weekly. 50% of those animals are currently in foster homes. Laura expressed that she is thankful for our fosters as there would not be enough room in the shelter to adequately care for them all.
To increase transparency, species, placement, and shelter population statistics are being shared with the public regularly via social media.
Laura is working with HR to fill open vacancies.
Staff have been taking the vehicle to outreach events including Westmont Cruisin’ Nights, National Night Out. In addition to showing off animals for adoption, staff are engaging the public through educational games and “check the chip” activities where owners are encouraged to register and/or update their pet’s microchip. Check the chip has been well-received and is important as the majority of strays received at Animal Services do not have registered microchips making it nearly impossible for staff to locate an owner.
Member DeSart invited DCAS to exhibit with the specialty veterinary vehicle at Naper Pride Fest on September 11th at Naper Settlement. Laura will reach out to Member DeSart for event details.
9. DISCUSSION
A. FY22 Animal Services Budget
Laura presented an overview of the FY22 Animal Services Budget.
Laura shared that there is a sense of pride in the work our Animal Services department does and that we appreciate the support from our elected officials, other county staff members, residents and volunteers.
Our department believes that saving animals and serving people go hand in hand. Animal Services is responsible for:
• Providing for the enforcement and administration of county ordinances and state laws related to animals
• Operating a shelter for stray and surrendered animals, while providing pathways to reunification and responsible rehoming programs
• Providing for administration of all bite reports in DuPage County as well as investigating and making determinations on dangerous and vicious dogs
• Providing field services to rescue stray, sick or injured animals, and investigate other animal concerns
• Monitoring and attempting to control the presence of rabies and other zoonotic diseases through enforcement of laws, education, and facilitating testing of high-risk animals
• Providing resources to residents on solutions to keeping pets, reducing the unwanted pet population, and how to exist safely with animals
Animal Services sets high standards of service and is striving to be a leader in our industry. We have identified goals that will drive operations in the coming years:
• Improve access to information and resources that can prevent bites, reduce owner surrenders, increase ordinance compliance, and rehome animals safely
• Grow the volunteer program to increase operational efficiencies and provide a high standard of care to our animals. A major focus has been expanding the foster program. Animals are happier and healthier when we can limit their time in the stressful shelter environment.
• Create community-based solutions to animal homelessness through new pet owner support programs, partnerships with other human and animal welfare agencies, and field service programs. Collaboration with other agencies will be critical to expanding our reach and finding solutions. Examples include the Chicagoland Humane Coalition of Shelters and SPAY Illinois.
• Expand veterinary care/wellness programming for qualifying residents. Most recently we have added free vaccine/chip clinics and our Responsi-bull s/n program.
• Increase rabies license compliance and establish a new narrative with pet owners and veterinary partners that shows how compliance can be mutually beneficial to the pet, pet owner and the broader community. Most recently the addition of a quarterly newsletter specifically for veterinarians.
• Fundraise and complete the buildout of the Phase II capital improvement project to the 120 Building. We continue to work with DuPage Animal Friends on implementing the recommendations that came out of the feasibility study to build a strong fundraising board and implement strategies to attract and retain donors in anticipation of a capital campaign.
Department revenue has trended higher each year since the increase in rabies tag fees in FY2017.
FY2020 resulted in a 9% decrease in revenue due to the pandemic, but subsequently, expenses were lower due to a reduction in animal population and staffing vacancies.
FY2021 rabies tag revenue has already exceeded annual estimates. A change to the County Ordinance requiring pre-payment of tags by veterinarians and more efficient collection processes have positively impacted tag revenue.
FY2022 includes a capital request of $65,000 to replace an animal transport vehicle that is used for after hour call-outs.
This budget accounts for a continuation of an annual $50,000 donation from DuPage Animal Friends.
Revenue Sources:
• Registration & Pet Population Fees 93%
• Fee Revenue 6%
• Donations & Investment Income 1%
Budget Highlights:
• FY2022 budget is balanced
• Priority on improving efficiencies while expanding community resources
• Partnership with DuPage Animal Friends to increase fundraising efforts
1. Animal Services FY22 Budget Draft
| RESULT: HAND OUT |
No old business.
11. NEW BUSINESS
No new business.
2. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:02 am.
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