HomeMy WebLinkAboutCLD-031-14 Clarbgton
Clerk's
Report
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Clerk at 905-623-3379 ext. 2102.
Report To: General Purpose and Administration Committee
Date of Meeting: December 8, 2014
Report Number: CLD-031-14 Resolution Number:
File Number: By-law Number:
Report Subject: Clarington Animal Shelter Volunteer Program
Recommendations:
1. That Report CLD-031-14 be received for information.
Municipality of Clarington
Report CLD-031-14 Page 2
Report Overview
This report is intended to provide background of the Volunteer Program over the past
year.
1 . Background
1.1 Council Direction
At the October 7, 2013 General Purpose and Administration Committee meeting,
the Committee passed the following resolution #GPA-486-13:
"THAT Report CLD-025-13 be received;
THAT staff be authorized to implement a volunteer program at the
Clarington Animal Shelter effective November 1, 2013;
THAT staff be authorized to modify the volunteer program model as
required to meet the needs of the Shelter and comply with health and
safety requirements while not infringing on contractual agreements;
THAT staff report back in one year on the progress of the volunteer
program; and
THAT all interested parties listed in Report CLD-025-13 be advised of
Councils decision."
1.2 Volunteer Program
Since the inception of the Volunteer Program over 60 applicants have been
received, approximately 45 interviews conducted, and 34 volunteers have
successfully participated in orientation. To date, volunteers have contributed
approximately 635 hours to the animals at the Clarington Animal Shelter. The
cost associated with the program has been kept below $500 and has had
minimal impact on staff duties.
2. Analysis
The success or failure of the Volunteer Program is based on four key elements:
• A carefully defined program that suits the needs of the Shelter and
includes defined rules, procedures, and training;
• A staff person dedicated to managing the program to ensure that the goals
are being met;
• Staff support of the program; and
Municipality of Clarington
Report CLD-031-14 Page 3
• Enthusiastic, compassionate, and dedicated volunteers.
Over the past year, the Animal Services Manager has dedicated time to ensure
rules and procedures have been adhered to, and Staff concerns are dealt with
promptly. The formal training, procedures and rules have further ensured the
health and safety of Volunteers and that dedicated Volunteers remain committed
to the program. Additionally, Staff has embraced the program as they have
identified behavioural improvements with the animals they work with through the
benefits of having compassionate and enthusiastic volunteers, without infringing
on contractual obligations.
Staff recognizes that there are days with minimal volunteer activity. Typically,
this is related to the defined program rules which require a minimum commitment
and availability on the part of our volunteers. Feedback from our volunteers
indicates an opportunity to improve coordination of available volunteer
assignments. Staff will monitor the program and will continue to accept
volunteers who are committed and compassionate and who successfully enrich
the animal's lives within the Shelter without compromising the key elements of
the successful program.
3. Concurrence
Not Applicable.
4. Conclusion
Benefits to animals and Staff are noteworthy and affords us the opportunity to
connect with our community. Staff will continue to promote and grow the
Volunteer Program.
5. Strategic Plan Application
The recommendations contained in this report conform to the Strategic Plan,
Connecting Clarington.
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Submitted by:
;�' � `��% Reviewed by: ^-J
C."Anne Greentree Franklin Wu,
Municipal Clerk Chief Administrative Officer
Staff Contact: Duncan Anderson, Animal Services Manager, 905-623-7652, Ext. 2127
or danderson @clarington.net
List of the interested parties to be notified of Council's decision: None