December 18, 2006 at 8:30 AM - Health & Human Service Committee
ANIMAL SHELTER: Sharon Elliot from Saint Croix Animal Friends was present to investigate the possibility of utilizing the county barn as an option for an animal shelter and possibly involve clients from St. Croix Industries sheltered workshop with the shelter. Currently, there is no facility in St. Croix County for animals; however, there are some kennels. Woodbury does provide services to St. Croix County community but the concern is that they will soon be full. Saint Croix Animal Friends has a three-year goal to have a shelter. The shelter would be run on contributions, donations, grants, etc. The group started in February 2006 and they are currently working on a strategic plan and business plan and will be patterned after the Woodbury shelter. Elliot mentioned property is the largest expense for the project. This group has no connection to the former shelter in River Falls and will just cover St. Croix County. The goal is to have a green space with buildings being both heated and air conditioned. There has been a reluctance on the part of towns, cities and villages to fund this project. Luckey expressed concern if the facility was located at the county, the county would be expected to fund the project. Dr. Kretz said pets are part of our quality of life and are a major issue in terms of public health and animal control. Dr. Kretz volunteered to give a presentation to Saint Croix Animal Friends regarding an animal shelter. Saint Croix Animal Friends will attempt to schedule at town board meetings to solicit support. They will investigate if the county barn is practical and meets their needs and come back to the Board if the facility is satisfactory. Johnson offered to view the barn with the group and coordinate with St. Croix Industries for possible placement for St. Croix Industries client workers if requested. Elliot questioned amount of property available with the building to utilize for dog runs, etc.
Public Protection Committee
November 10, 2006 - 8:30AM
DOG SHELTER: Gunderson reported she was approached by a couple of people in Star Prairie who were upset the county does not have an animal shelter; Gunderson told them the county cannot afford a shelter. They asked about volunteer efforts to establish a shelter and inquired about the county farm buildings and whether the county would consider allowing them to have a shelter in the building(s). They indicated funding would be by donations. Discussion regarding the feasibility of the farm buildings; heating would be a hardship, etc.
SHERIFF'S REPORT: Jan 13, 2006
Hillstead reported that the Pierce St. Croix Humane Society has been taken over by the "Cats Meow Dogs Bark Animal Welfare Society". Hillstead reported this company is proposing to charge $1,500 per year for each municipality that uses their facility. Discussion concerning what they would charge the county because of the length of stay, etc. The new owners have a new concept on animal welfare, as they mostly try to adopt out the animals. Discussion regarding vet costs, etc. Hillstead reported on the dogs that were being held as evidence; they have been placed in foster care and he is not aware of their location at this time.
These are much older meetings.
Discussion regarding sending letters to the municipalities indicating the need for funds. Sheriff Hillstead stated that according to state statute, the County Board may take the excess dog license fees and designate it to a pound. Ask Corporation Counsel to investigate how to get this done. It was suggested that the media could be a source to raise money in the meantime until a more permanent solution can be found. Discussion regarding having an article on the situation printed in the local newspapers. Discussion regarding drafting a resolution to the municipalities concerning the excess dog license funds being transferred to the humane society instead of back to municipalities. Jonas thanked the committee members for their time.
PIERCE/ST. CROIX ANIMAL SHELTER: Theresa Jonas of the Pierce/St. Croix Shelter, along with the acting president of the shelter, made a presentation on behalf of the animal shelter. Jonas reported the shelter is a 501(c) 3 organization, which means they rely on donations to fund their organization. Unless they receive additional funding, it appears they will likely close on December 31st, 2005. Cut backs include animal control. Mehls asked what the sources of funding are now: $7,000 - $12,000 from Pierce County. Municipality pays for the stray animals then the owners pay the fees. Highest cost is payroll, next is animal care, spaying, neutering, etc., and other miscellaneous veterinary expenses. Bernard questioned what happens to the dog license money that the county receives. Hillstead explained that the excess amount from dog licenses is returned to the municipality. Discussion regarding municipalities donating funds to the shelter. Hillstead indicated that the Pierce County shelter is helpful to his department and closing the shelter will have a significant impact on St. Croix County. Jonas stated the memorial gifts and other donations have allowed the shelter to stay open. As of now, they are three months behind in payroll, $35,000 in the red. Bernard questioned the feasibility of having the university provide college credits if students choose to work/volunteer at the shelter, thus resulting in lower payroll costs. The animal shelter board did not appear interested in pursuing this possibility.
HUMANE ISSUES: Discussion was held as to how the dog license money should be distributed. Municipal treasurers collect a fee in January of every year for dog licenses. They turn this money over to the County Treasurer by the end of February retaining 25 cents per dog as a collection fee. In September, each municipality is supposed to turn in a list of every dog in their township, city or village. The County reimburses the reporting agent 50 cents per dog for this report. If an animal is not current with their rabies shots it is a law to impound an animal for 10 days to check for rabies if it has bitten someone. It is the consensus of the committee that all impound charges come out of the dog fund and then any money left over to go back to the townships. We need a resolution to present to County Board to distribute these funds. Motion by Rose that the dog funds be used for expenses incurred by the County for the collecting, caring for and disposing of animals to be paid out of the dog license fund. Second by Meals. Carried.
