Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Minutes - 11/08/2007CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR Date �_ T
THE ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COMMIT Ems(
OF
NOVEMBER 8, 2007
PLACE: Wichita Falls- Wichita County Public Health District, Parker Conference Room,
1700 Third Street, Wichita Falls, Texas, 76301.
TIME: 12:15 p.m.
DATE: Thursday, November 8, 2007.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Julie Gibson, DVM; Marty Maxwell, Animal Welfare
Organization Representative; Penny Miller, Citizen -At- Large, and Rick Wright,
Animal Reclaim Center Operator; and Susan Morris, R.S., Chairman /LRCA/Zoonosis
Administrator.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
ABSENT: None.
HEALTH DISTRICT
REPRESENTATIVES: Pat Garcia, Animal Control Supervisor; Susan Morris, R.S.,
Chairman /LRCA/Zoonosis Administrator, and Diane Syrus, recording secretary.
WICHITA FALLS -CITY
COUNCIL: None.
MINUTES:
I. Call to order: Susan Morris, R.S., Chairman presided. She welcomed guest speaker,
Pat Grimmnitz, and visitor, Pat Garcia, Animal Control Supervisor. Susan asked
everyone to introduce themselves.
II. Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the ASAC Meeting on September 6, 2007, were
distributed and reviewed. Dr. Gibson made the motion to accept these minutes, with a
second by Mrs. Miller. Motion carried.
III. Old Business: Ms. Grimmnitz distributed a brochure entitled "Ending the Feral Cat
Problem in Wichita Falls ", and started with a brief history before her presentation.
She explained their organization's researched program to provide "targeted" low- income
spaying & neutering to establish healthy cat colonies in Wichita Falls, which would
require mass trappings, identification, vaccinations, veterinarians, dedicated funding,
and harboring laws. Mrs. Morris stated that this would require a new feral cat city
ordinance and permit. Mr. Wright asked about future vaccinations for this program's
feral cats and Dr. Gibson explained the lifespan of a feral cat. Dr. Gibson asked about a
partnership with PETS? Mrs. Grimmnitz explained about voucher systems, USDA
Grants, "Campus Cats ", and companies called Animal Grant Makers. Members
discussed public health benefits, a euthanasia facility, and groups working together.
Members thanked Mrs. Grimmnitz for attending and providing information. Members
discussed other local spay and neuter programs. Susan explained the City of Lawton's
new pet ordinance requiring spaying and neutering and their consequential legal battle.
Discussion followed on funding and identification.
Mrs. Morris asked if members wanted a new feral cat ordinance. Mrs. Miller replied
yes, because Wichita Falls' present system does not work and the city needs something
like this. Mrs. Morris stated that to adopt an ordinance she would have to present it to
the Board of Health and the City of Wichita Falls would not provide the funding.
Susan asked for any other old business. She stated that Councilor, Michael Smith,
is away on business but we need to elect a Chairman and asked for any volunteers.
Members asked for the duties of Chairman? Mrs. Morris explained the duties of
Chairman and Secretary. Mrs. Miller made the motion that Mrs. Morris remains the
Chairman by appointment of acclamation. Dr. Gibson second; motion passed.
IV. New Business: Mrs. Morris reported that U. S. Canine Rabies is eradicated.
Discussion followed.
V. Next Meeting Date: Members decided to meet again possibly in March, 2008, before
spring break. Mrs. Morris will send a reminder.
VI. Adjournment: Mrs. Morris asked for the meeting to be adjourned. The meeting was
adjourned at 1:03 p.m. A motion to close the meeting was made by Mr. Wright, and
second by Mrs. Maxwell; motion passed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan B. Morris, R.S., Chairman
Zoonosis Administrator /L.R.C.A.
Diane Syrus
Zoonosis & OSSF, Sr. Admin. Clerk