Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County Animal Services Committee met June 17

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. CALL TO ORDER

7:30 AM meeting was called to order by Chair Brian Krajewski at 7:31 AM.

2. ROLL CALL

PRESENT: Cynthia Cronin Cahill, District 5 Dawn DeSart, Grant Eckhoff, Paula Garcia and Krajewski

ABSENT: Sheila Rutledge

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comments were offered.

4. CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS - CHAIR KRAJEWSKI

Chair Krajewski shared congratulated staff and volunteers on a successful and well planned Grand Opening event. Feedback from attendees so far has been very positive.

Chair Krajewski invited members of the committee to the Pours for Paws fundraiser on July 23rd from 5:30-8:30PM at Two Hound Red Brewing Co. in Glen Ellyn. The event will feature “celebrity” bartenders. Proceeds benefit DuPage Animal Friends.

5. MINUTES APPROVAL

5.A. 25-1536

Animal Services Committee - Regular Meeting - Tuesday, May 20, 2025

RESULT: APPROVED

MOVER: Cynthia Cronin Cahill

SECONDER: Paula Garcia

6. BID AWARDS

6.A. FM-P-0030-25

Recommendation for the approval of a contract to A&P Grease Trappers, Inc., for sanitary, grease trap and storm basin pumping, jetting, and cleaning, as needed for the County campus, for Facilities Management, for the period of June 25, 2025 through June 24, 2027, for a total contract amount not to exceed $214,155; per lowest responsible bid accepted in the best interest of the county, per staff’s decision memo for bid #25-072-FM. ($160,450 for Facilities Management, $23,705 for Animal Services, and $30,000 for the Division of Transportation)

Chair Krajewski stated that agenda item 6.A., contract for A&P Grease Trappers, has been pulled from the agenda.

7. INFORMATIONAL

7.A. FM-P-0029-25

Recommendation for the approval of a contract to Commonwealth Edison Company, for electric utility supply and distribution services for the connected County facilities, for Facilities Management, for the period of June 29, 2025 through June 28, 2027, for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,711,220. Per 55 ILCS 5/5-1022 (c) not suitable for competitive bids – Public Utility. ($5,560,560 for Facilities Management, $62,695 for Animal Services, $1,401,875 for the Care Center, $231,960 for the Division of Transportation, and $454,130 for the Health Department)

Vice Chair DeSart made a motion to approve FM-P-0029-25. Member Garcia seconded.

All were in favor. Motion passed.

8. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE

Laura shared that more than 500 people attended tours of the newly renovated shelter during the Grand Opening celebration on June 14th. An additional 150-200 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and visited with rescue partners and activities outdoors. Staff are working on developing a video tour of the renovated shelter that will be made available to the public. Feedback from the community was very positive with people speaking very highly of the lack of animal odor, myriad flex spaces, real life room and upgraded medical facilities. An private evening tour was hosted on Wednesday evening for major capital campaign donors.

Through adoption and rescue efforts the population of parakeets is down to 25. Shelter population is currently 194. Kitten season has arrived much earlier than usual this year. The majority of the animals in the shelter’s care are cats. DCAS is grateful for the partnership with Feral Fixers who prevent hundreds of unwanted litters from entering the shelter each year. Staff are researching ways in which we can revamp the low cost spay/neuter program and other services to more directly address the cat overpopulation problem and the issues and behaviors that lead to cat overpopulation.

Animal Services welcomed the newest Animal Control Officer, ACO Simeo, last week.

The Animal Services leadership team is reviewing the staffing plan and considering a possible reorganization to better meet the needs of the community. Laura will have more detail to share with committee members at the August meeting.

9. OLD BUSINESS

No old business was discussed.

10. NEW BUSINESS

No new business was discussed.

11. ADJOURNMENT

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

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