DuPage County Animal Services Committee met Nov. 16.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. CALL TO ORDER
7:30 AM meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Dawn DeSart at 7:32 AM.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: DeSart, Eckhoff, Garcia, Krajewski, Rutledge
ABSENT: Tornatore
A quorum was present in the room. Member DeSart made a motion to allow Chairman Krajewski to participate remotely. Seconded by Member Rutledge. Roll call. All in favor. None opposed.
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 - Oct 19, 2021 7:30 AM
RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dawn DeSart, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Sheila Rutledge, District 6
AYES: DeSart, Deacon Garcia, Krajewski, Eckhoff, Rutledge
ABSENT: Tornatore
6. PROCUREMENT REQUISITIONS
A. 2021-90 Recommendation for the approval of a purchase order to Pet Population Fund program partner Spay Illinois Pet Well Clinics to provide no-cost spay/neuter for eligible DuPage County residents, for the period December 1, 2021 through November 30, 2022 for a contract total not to exceed $29,000, per 55 ILCS 5/5-1022 “Competitive Bids” (c) not suitable for competitive bids. Citizen determines the clinic/hospital used. Total contract amount is established from FY2021 expenses and will vary based on FY2022 program utilization of DuPage County citizens.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dawn DeSart, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Paula Deacon Garcia, District 2
AYES: DeSart, Deacon Garcia, Krajewski, Eckhoff, Rutledge
ABSENT: Tornatore
7. GRANTS
Member DeSart inquired whether items 7C and 7D are funded by grants made to DuPage Animal Friends (DAF) or by private donations. Laura confirmed that the annual grant made by DAF to Animal Services is funded by private donations made to DAF. Animal Services is required to notify the board when there is a grant proposal and an acceptance of the proposal. FY22 marks the third year DAF has made the $50,000 grant to Animal Services. Animal Services has already expended all of the grant funds for FY21, however DAF has continued to expend beyond that to assist with funding special needs and veterinary services.
A. FI-R-0514-21 RESOLUTION -- Acceptance and Appropriation of Interest Earned on Investment and Extension of Time for the DuPage Animal Friends Foundation Coordinator FY20 Grant, Company 5000 - Accounting Unit 1310, $500. (Animal Services)
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dawn DeSart, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Paula Deacon Garcia, District 2
AYES: DeSart, Deacon Garcia, Krajewski, Eckhoff, Rutledge
ABSENT: Tornatore
B. FI-R-0515-21 RESOLUTION -- Acceptance and Appropriation of Interest Earned on Investment for the DuPage Animal Friends Phase II Capital Project Grant, Company 5000 - Accounting Unit 1310, $10,000. (Animal Services)
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dawn DeSart, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Paula Deacon Garcia, District 2
AYES: DeSart, Deacon Garcia, Krajewski, Eckhoff, Rutledge
ABSENT: Tornatore
C. Grant Proposal Notifications -- GPN 068-21: DuPage Animal Friends Unrestricted Grant FY22 - DuPage Animal Friends - $50,000. (Animal Services)
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dawn DeSart, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Paula Deacon Garcia, District 2
AYES: DeSart, Deacon Garcia, Krajewski, Eckhoff, Rutledge
ABSENT: Tornatore
D. FI-R-0523-21 RESOLUTION -- Acceptance and Appropriation of the DuPage Animal Friends Unrestricted Grant FY22, Company 5000 - Accounting Unit 1310, $50,300.00. (Animal Services)
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dawn DeSart, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Paula Deacon Garcia, District 2
AYES: DeSart, Deacon Garcia, Krajewski, Eckhoff, Rutledge
ABSENT: Tornatore
8. BUDGET TRANSFERS
A. Budget Transfers -- DAFUNR21: Transfer of funds from account no. 52320 (Medical/Dental/Lab Supplies) $4,820.00, 52100 (IT Equip Small Value) $231.00, 52200 (Operating Supplies & Materials) $3,937.00, and 52220 (Wearing Apparel) $163.00, to account no. 53090 (Other Professional Services) $9,151.00, for a total budget transfer in the amount of $9,151.00. To fund high-volume spay/neuter veterinary services for the remaining 2021 Specialty Veterinary Vehicle season and exotic animal veterinary support for the growing population of shelter rabbits and small animals.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dawn DeSart, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Sheila Rutledge, District 6
AYES: DeSart, Deacon Garcia, Krajewski, Eckhoff, Rutledge
ABSENT: Tornatore
9. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE
Laura began by thanking DuPage Animal Friends and everyone that supports the progressive work being done at Animal Services to save lives and help residents with pet concerns.
Current shelter population is 196 animals. 115 are in foster/81 in shelter. Population consists of 115 cats, 40 dogs, 29 rabbits. Animal Services is still seeing a high number of kitten intakes which is unusual for the time of year. DCAS will be hosting another pop-up adoption and foster education event on December 4th for anyone thinking of bringing a kitten home for the holidays.
Staff completed the first successful in-person police department training for a P.D. that requested training in the use of control poles and best practices for microchip scanning. This in-person training was the result of first responder training modules that were developed for municipalities interested in leaning more about animal issues.
Staff are in the process of closing out the 2021 rabies tag season. This was the first year of pre sales. Registration revenue projections have so far been exceeded by $1 million. Member DeSart added that any salary increases will be funded by surplus registration revenue.
Animal Services is recruiting to fill 3 open full-time positions and 1 part time position. Laura is hoping to recruit from a quality group of candidates thanks to recent salary increases. Staff is still working very lean especially on the animal care side, so we continue to modify our service hours and acceptance of owner relinquished animals to meet staffing availability. Member Rutledge inquired about volunteer support. Laura shared that most available volunteer positions have been filled, but we are still challenged to find enough skilled dog handler volunteers and volunteers with daytime availability. Laura stated that the largest volunteer growth has been in the area of foster, and fosters are even moving across species as animal populations change. Member Rutledge commended the department on the high quality of training and investment of time that is poured into Animal Services volunteers.
Member DeSart inquired after the number of fosters that adopt their foster animals. Laura shared that the number is fairly low as many fosters see the value in letting their . She also shared that foster-to-adopt is becoming more common, especially for dogs, for those who desire more time to ensure the animal is a good match for their family.
Member Garcia asked for an update on the Phase 2 shelter build-out project. Staff have recently received new estimates. Laura and Dr. Hanek are currently working to refine the design and adding furniture, equipment, cage costs, etc. to the estimates. Nick added that his department is actively working with Animal Services to refine design and hone estimates to come up with an all-inclusive cost. Once staff is happy with the design, Nick stated the next step is to present the project to committee.
10. OLD BUSINESS
No old business.
11. NEW BUSINESS
No new business.
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Member DeSart made a motion to move into Executive Session. Member Rutledge seconded. All in favor. None opposed. Meeting adjourned.
A. Pursuant to Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(1) – The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees
13. ADJOURNMENT
http://dupage.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=7877&Inline=True
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