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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCLD-029-10CIBTlll~°'COIl REPORT CLERK'S DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Date: September 27, 2010 Resolution#: ~i ~~ '~~'/~ By-law#: N/A Report#: CLD-029-10 File#: Subject: DISCONTINUATION OF ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: THAT Report CLD-029-f0 be received; 2. THAT the Resolution of the 2006-2010 Clarington Animal Advisory Committee, recommending that the Committee be disbanded be received; 3. THAT Resolution GPA-402-96, establishing an Animal Advisory Committee be rescinded; 4. THAT staff continue to seek input from members of the public and industry experts when contemplating major policy changes, innovative initiatives or significant service level changes through appropriate means; and. THAT the members of the 2006-2010 Clarington Animal Advisory Committee be advised of Council's decision and thanked for their accomplishments throughout their term on this Committee. Submitted by by: PLB/kb Franklin Wu, Chief Administrative Officer CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379 REPORT NO.: CLD-029-10 PAGE 2 BACKGROUND The Clarington Animal Advisory Committee was established in 1996 through the adoption of Resolution GPA-402-96 which reads as follows: "THAT Report CD-37-06 be received; THAT Council approve the establishment of an Animal Control Advisory Committee as reflected in the body of Report CD-37-96 subject to review by Council after nine months; THAT meetings be held during business hours; THAT Staff be directed to take all actions necessary for the implementation of this Committee; and THAT all interested parties be advised of Council's decision. At that time, Terms of Reference were established with the mission of the Committee to be: "to promote and ensure excellence and professionalism in animal care and control through continuing education, effective networking, mutual support and the enhancement of the profession to provide quality, cost effective services to our citizens and care to the animals in our Municipality'. At the time the Committee was established Animal Services, consisting of three full-time officers and one part-time officer had only recently transferred to the Municipal Clerk's Department. Input was acknowledged from a select group of residents expressing an interest in working with Animal Services to assist in establishing policies and ensuring suitable training opportunities were implemented, and Council resolved to establish the Advisory Committee. Report CD-37-96 (Attachment 1 to this Report), details the Terms of Reference adopted by Council. The Animal Advisory Committee has traditionally consisted of members of our community who either have a personal interest in animals or who are professionals within the animal-related industry as well as a personal interest in animal welfare. The Committee has assisted in reviewing policy initiatives and promoting Clarington Animal Services. Since 1996, the Animal Services Division has evolved significantly in their structure, service level standards and, most importantly, in the role they play in our community. Currently Animal Services is comprised of four full-time officers, one part-time officer REPORT NO.: CLD-029-10 PAGE 3 and apart-time clerical support staff who provide excellent professional and knowledgeable services to our community. Collectively our staff represents approximately 100 years ofanimal-related experience. All officers are members of the Association of Animal Administrators of Ontario and are all mandated to attend on-going training opportunities to remain skilled, educated and current within the industry. To ensure the Shelter policies remain current and relevant, staff also participate in a Region-wide Animal Services working group where trends, challenges, opportunities and service improvements are shared, discussed and acted on. Customer service is a priority across our organization and all of our Animal Services staff remain current with our customer service standards. As well, and perhaps, most importantly, health and safety is an integral part of our day-to-day activities at the Shelter. Our Officers must work in an unpredictable environment ensuring the safety of themselves, their co- workers, the community as a whole and the animals. To support our commitment to health and safety, our officers receive regular training, regularly review internal procedures and protocols, and subscribe to and reference various industry publications. Over the past few years, Animal Services has undertaken a number of research initiatives in response to community requests, industry trends and community/animal safety issues, such as: restricted dog legislation, kennel licensing, leash-free parks, and urban chicken farming, to name a few. Throughout the review process, staff not only sought feedback from the Animal Advisory Committee, but they also sought feedback from other external agencies, industry professionals both within and outside of our community and key stakeholders within our community. This approach to data collection and stakeholder input proved to be very valuable and relevant. Summary While the input of the Animal Advisory Committee has been welcome and much appreciated, the benefit of community input through this forum has diminished over time. There is no question that there was a desire from the community to help shape the role of the Clarington Animal Services. However, over the past number of years, the frequency of meetings of the Animal Advisory committee has diminished largely due to the implementation of policies and operating procedures, which are being actively followed. The future of this Advisory Committee was discussed at the most recent meeting of the Committee and it was unanimous that the Committee recommend to Council that it be disbanded. (See Attachment 2.) It is staff's recommendation, therefore, that Council disband the Clarington Animal Advisory Committee and endorse the concept of seeking input from members of the public and industry experts when contemplating major policy changes, innovative initiatives or significant service level changes through less formal, ad hoc, and appropriate means. Attachments: Attachment 1 -Report CD-037-96 Attachment 2 -Clarington Animal Advisory Committee Minutes -September 13110 ATTAC{NJIENT ir~_i0 REPORT;C LO-aa -io THE DN: ANIMAL4D.COM. REPORT Meeting: General Purpose and Administration Committee Date: Tuesday, July 2, 1996 Report #: ~ File #: n ~ ,/~ N File # `-$~J,~~~•~~,,,~ Res.#[~r~r .1~~-gfo By-Law # Subject: REQUEST FROM CITIZENS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report CD-37-96 be received; 2. THAT direction be provided under Option "A" or Option "B" as outlined below: Option "A": That the establishment of an Animal Control Advisory Committee as reflected in the body of Report CD-37-96 be approved subject to review by Council after one year; and THAT Staff be directed to take all actions necessary for the implementation of this Committee; and OR Option "B": THAT the request for the establishment of an Animal Control Advisory Committee be denied; and 3. THAT all interested parties be advised of Council's decision. 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 On November 13, 1995, Council unanimously approved the following resolution: "THAT the delegations of Kerry Meydam, Linda Gasser and Trudie Reid, be acknowledged; and Tk-IAT their comments be referred to the Clerk's Department for consideration and evaluation and preparation of a report to be submitted to the General Purpose ..oE ~®, ~.~.E ~ 6 01 Report CD-37-96 - 2 - July 2; 1996 and Administration Committee, including a possible terms of reference for an Animal Control Advisory Committee." 1.2 The Animal Control Services Division transferred to the Clerk's Department on December 4, 1995 and Staff have been acquainting themselves on the multi- faceted responsibilities of the Animal Control Services Division. 1.3 The following actions have been taken by Staff: • A letter was sent on February 16, 1996 seeking input from interested parties. (See Attachment #1). • During the month of March, several Municipalities were contacted to determine the existence, if any, of an Ahimal Control Advisory Committee in these Municipalities. • Two meetings were held: one on April 11, 1996 and one on May 1, 1996 with the following persons in attendance: - Linda Gasser - Kerry Meydam - Trudie Reid - Liz White/Anne Livingston, Animal Alliance of Canada - Laurie Davis, Durham Animal Adoption - Sr. Animal Control Officer - Deputy Clerk • On April 25, 1996 Staff visited three Animal Shelters located in Oshawa, Whitby and Port Perry to observe their operations and discuss their ..policies. 602 Report CD-37-96 - 3 - July 2, 1996 2. OPTION "A" - APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST FOR AN ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE It was emphasized by the participants of the meeting who requested the establishment of an Animal Control Advisory Committee that the purpose of their request is to "support and act as a resource to the Staff of the Animal Control Services Division for the efficient and compassionate care of the animals". 2.1 MISSION STATEMENT It was generally agreed that the following mission statement best reflects the intent of the participants of the meeting: "To promote and ensure excellence and professionalism in animal care and control through continuing education, effective networking, mutual support and the enhancement of the profession to provide quality, cost effective services to our citizens and care to the animals in our municipality." 2.2 COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE It was the general consensus that the number of persons on the committee should be kept at ten or less and the following representation was suggested: • three community representatives; • one veterinarian; • one representative from Durham Animal Adoption; • one representative from the Canadian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums; • Sr. Animal Control Officer or alternate; • Deputy Clerk or alternate; and • one Council Member. _ 603 Report CD-37-96 - 4 - July 2, 1996 Since Staff of the Animal Control Services Division work closely with the Fire Department, Police Department, Oshawa District Humane Society and Health Department, copies of Agendas and Minutes would be forwarded to these agencies and they would be given the opportunity to attend meetings if they wanted to discuss a specific issue. 2.3 TERMS OF REFERENCE Members of the Animal Control Advisory Committee would support and assist the Animal Control Division with the following: • the promotion of various animal care programs; • ,public education relating to animal ownership; • more publicity/visibility of the Clarington animal shelter; • "target specific" fundraising: i.e., for the purchase of a special piece of equipment, etc.; • assist the Animal Control Officers with upgrading/expanding their qualifications by researching availability of animal related education programs; • review by-laws, policies and procedures -make recommendations and provide support; • initiation and promotion of financial donations to the animal shelter for which the Municipality will issue tax exempt receipts; • help to promote animal education in elementary schools; • seniors sometimes have to give up their pet because of a short-term crisis; members of the committee would assist these seniors by feeding and walking their pet during this crisis; • visit nursing homes with a pet; • promote animal care programs; • provide fundraising dollars to improve the animal shelter relating to isolation of communicable diseases; • write a regular newspaper column pertaining to pet awareness. - 604 Report CD-37-96 - 5 - July 2, 1996 2.4 METHOD OF APPOINTMENT Members of the Committee would be appointed by Council for a one year term. 2.5 REPORTING MECHANISMS • Meetings would be held monthly, in the evening. • Minutes of each meeting would be placed on the Council Agenda for Council's information. • Periodical status reports would be prepared for the information of Council. • Members of the Committee would make recommendations to Staff who would then report to and seek Council's direction on the issues. 2.6 NAME OF COMMITTEE The following names were suggested: - Clarington Animal Control Community Advisory Committee (CACCAC) - Clarington Animal Services Support Committee (CASSC) - .Partners of Animal Services (PAS) -OR- The official launch of the committee would be publicized by having a "Name the Committee" contest. 2.7 It was reiterated that it is not the intention of the Committee to interfere with or circumvent the activities of Staff or to create another level of bureaucracy. The above activities would all be co-ordinated through Staff and with the prior approval of Council. The processes described would be totally funded from the fundraising efforts of the. Committee and at NO cost to the Municipality. The establishment of an Animal Advisory Committee in the Municipality of Clarington is viewed by the participants of the meeting as a pilot project in Ontario; an opportunity for the Municipality of Clarington to provide leadership in this field and "shine" in this endeavour. 605 Report CD-37-96 - 6 - July 2,.1996 3. OPTION "B" - DENIAL OF THE REQUEST FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Animal Shelter of the Municipality of Clarington is manned by three full-time and one part-time animal control officers. The experience of these officers represents approximately 44 years of animal related experience in the following capacity: Animal Health Technician; - Veterinary Assistant; - Veterinary and Emergency Clinic; - Oshawa Humane Society; - Zoo employee; and - Animal Control Officer. On March 27, 1996 Staff contacted James H. Bandow, General Manager, City of Toronto Department of Public Health, who advised that he is not aware of the existence of an Animal Control Advisory Committee in Ontario. However, he noted that such Committees exist in Winnipeg, Calgary and Regina. Subsequently we contacted Animal Control Staff of the City of Winnipeg to request input regarding their Animal Advisory Committee. The Animal Control Officer who has been employed in this field for 30 years, suggested that the Municipality of Clarington should "stay away" from such a Committee and described the City of Winnipeg's Committee as "brutal". He stated that various organizations are represented on the Committee and that 50% of persons attending the meeting bring their own personal agendas to the table. He advised that the Committees which are located in Calgary and Regina have been disbanded because they were "ineffective" and "didn't work". 606 Report CD-37-96 - 7 - July 2, 1996 Upon review of the possible formation of an Animal Control Advisory Committee, the following concerns come to mind: • The residents of the Municipality may view the formation of an Animal Control Advisory Committee as a deficiency of the operation as it now stands. • The establishment of the Animal Control Advisory Committee may create another level of bureaucracy. • The creation of this Committee may increase and over burden Staff's workload. • The Committee initiated projects may result in added costs to the Municipality. • Committee Members may interfere with the administration of Animal Control Services. • If this committee is established, its members may bring their own personal agendas to the meeting. • Members of the Committee may lack focus and commitment. • The activities of the Committee could increase the financial liability of the Municipality. • Who, in the end, will be accountable for the actions of the Committee should an animal related disaster occur? 4: CONCLUSION Staff have attempted to present a clear picture of the merits and disadvantages of the establishment of an Animal Control Advisory Committee. All interested parties have been given an opportunity to review the contents of the report and to appear before Members of the Committee as a delegation. It is therefore recommended: THAT Report CD-37-96 be received; THAT direction be provided under Option "A" or Option "B" as outlined below: 607 Report CD-37-96 - 8 - July 2, 1996 Option "A": THAT the establishment of an Animal Control Advisory Committee as reflected in the body of Report CD-37-96 be approved subject to review by Council after one year; and THAT Staff be directed to take all actions necessary for the implementation of this Committee. OR Option "B": THAT the request for the establishment of an Animal Control Advisory Committee be denied. Respectfully submitted, Reviewed by, ~ti~~~~ W. H. Stockwell Chief Administrative Officer MPK*PLB*Ib Attachments Interested parties to be advised of Council's decision. - L. Gasser, - K. Meydam, _ _ _ _ - - T. Reid.-- - _ _ - - Laurie Davis, Durham Animal Adoption, _ _- -- - - -Liz White/Anne Livingston, Animal Alliance of Canada, 221 Broadview Avenue, Suite .101, Toronto, M4M 2G3 - Sheila Elkington, Senior Animal Control Services Officer 608 Attachment #1 MUNICIPALITY OF ~~arington ONTARIO February 16, 1996 RE: PREPARATION OF REPORT PERTAINING TO ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE On November 13, 1995, the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington enacted a resolution which requested the Clerk's Department to prepare a report pertaining to consideration and evaluation of an Animal Control Advisory Committee. Pursuant to the passage of this resolution, on December 4, 1995, the Animal Control Services Division transferred to the Clerk's Department. Since then, we have been very busy getting acquainted with ourAnimal Control Officers and their responsibilities regarding the pets which are under our care. I have just. begun to do research regarding the above- referenced Animal Control Advisory Committee. I would be very grateful if you, as an interested party, could provide me with written comments regarding the possible formation of this committee. Your input could address the following criteria: - Name of the committee - Composition of the committee - Mission Statement/Goals - Mandate - Recommendations for joint/co-operative efforts - Reporting mechanisms - Suggestions for improvements - Any other ideas you may want to share with us. If you could forward this documentation to me by March 8, 1996, we will review the material thoroughly prior to our scheduling a meeting of all interested parties and Staff some time in early April. Please indicate your telephone number on your correspondence so that we can save time and invite you to the meeting by telephone. I think you will agree that this is a very important matter and therefore we feel that we should not "rush into" making recommendations pertaining to this committee. If you have any questions, please call me. I look forward to hearing from you and receiving your input. Yours very truly, Marie P. Knight, .0., CMM Deputy Clerk CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 63 TEMPERANCE STREET BOWMANVILLE •ONTARIO L1C 3A6 (90s) 623-3379 FA% 623-4169 609 NEC~CLEO V~aEN QS/OBi9(i 1"HL 13:32 fdS 41641i296~i :L~ll1dL dLL13;~Ci: Uh ~d\aU AttacLment #2 ~~.~ ANIMAL ALLIAnf CE of caua ~A Anirnai Prolectioa througtr Education & dduocac'v Maxie Knight Municipality of Clarington Fax 905-623-4169 May 2, 1996 Dear Marie; Thank you for having me at your meeting about the animal control committee yesterday. It was a pleasure to meet you anti everyone else, and the meeting was very intere:stinq. If the committee idea is approved by council, I hope its members are as enthusiastic, co-operative and supportive as th.e group yesterday wasl In response to your request to find out about similar community/anima:l control committees in Ontario, I phoned Jim Bandow. As you know, he is the head of animal control in Toronto and the president of the Association of Shelter Administrators of Ontario. He told me he was unaware of any such committee in Ontario, but said that there was one in Winnipeg he had already told you about. I told him a bit about what we hope this committee will do and why. He thought that ten people was perhaps too many; he fEalt a committee of 6-8 people would be a more manageable size. He also thought that the size of the committee was less important than the balance of it. It is very important not to let it be taken over by special interest groups or individuals with their own hidden agendas. Firm rules should be established to preclude these dangers. Diversity is i:o be encouraged. Jim is someone we at Animal Alliance respect very much. We often ask him for information or advice. I hope his comments are of some use to you. .~.~~~ 22lBroadviewAve. Thanks again for the neat meeting! I look for~~~ard SuitellJf,Toronto to hearing what happens next with this most Onlario,Canada encouraging initiative. M4M ZG3 (416) 4629541 For t e animals, _ Facsimile LEA - . ~/ (416) 462964 i v~'~ Anne Livingston Dizector ® - b1Q m; UU.. Attachment 2 to Report CLD-029-10 The following is an excerpt of the September 15, 2010 Clarington Animal Advisory Committee minutes: Moved by Rhonda Johnson, seconded by Helen Koseck THAT the Animal Advisory Committee be deemed to have fulfilled its goals and outlived its need; THAT the Committee recommend to Council to disband the Clarington Animal Advisory Committee; and THAT the Clerk's Department and Animal Services Division continue to seek input from members of the public, and industry experts, through a less formal, adhoc process on an "as needed" basis when major issues arise which may require public or industry input. CARRIED