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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-06-15 minutesMinutes Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Meeting Tuesday, June 15, 2021 Members Present: Dr. Greg Boyer, Chair Dr. Stacey Beddoe Dr. Jessica Kolisch Captain Derek Heislen Lori Blatter, Shelter Manager Chief Roger Schroeder Dr. Travis Schaller, Shelter Veterinarian The Animal Shelter Committee met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday June 15, 2021 in the Conference Room, Jefferson City Animal Shelter, 2308 Hyde Park Road, Jefferson City Missouri. The meeting was called to order by Dr. Boyer, Chair. Approval of Minutes Dr. Beddoe moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Dr. Boyer seconded the motion. Staff Reports Shelter manager Lori Blatter reported that kitten season is well underway. At this time demand is keeping up with the supply and shelter population is low in adoptable animals. There are many kittens in foster care at this time. When the kittens start returning the shelter may reach out and do a Brenna Day promotion. The shelter has not seen a significant increase in intakes yet as was feared when citizens returned to work. Dr. Boyer stated that it is still early and it could still happen. Manager Blatter introduced the new Animal Shelter Veterinarian, Dr. Schaller. The committee welcomed him. Manager Blatter informed the committee that Dr. Schaller hit the ground running and is a welcome addition to the shelter. Dr. Travis Schaller reported that the shelter has not had any significant disease outbreaks and stated that when the kittens start coming back it will be pretty hectic with only one vet staff. It creates a hardship for the shelter being short even one staff member as all staff covers different areas during the day. It is especially difficult with only one staff when the veterinarian has a full slate of surgeries because his one vet staff has to do the work of two and it slows everything down. They have worked through lunch several times just to get the work complete for the day. The vet assistant position has closed online with 20 applicants. Chief Schroeder asked Captain Heislen how long he thought it would be until we could fill the position. Captain Heislen thought it could be accomplished within a month. Manager Blatter and Dr. Schaller will review the applicants and send forward their recommendations of candidates. Minutes Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Meeting Tuesday, June 15, 2021 Chief Schroeder invited any committee members to take part in the interview process and expressed that their opinions would be valuable. Chief Schroeder stated he realized time is short but the offer is open to them. Dr. Boyer stated that he would try to make the time available to assist. Written Correspondence There was no written correspondence. Discussion ensued as to why written correspondence is on the agenda anymore. Chief Schroeder suggested that if there was any that needed to be addressed, it could be brought up in staff reports. Old Business The 2nd Phase of installing stainless steel cat kennels Is underway. The purchase order for the kennels has been issued. Once they arrive, the contractor will install. The Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter funded both phases of this project. Chief Schroeder expressed thanks for their support of the shelter and recognizes that they are a valuable resource. The crematorium is up and running at full capacity. Discussion ensued about charging a fee for mass animal disposals picked up by the shelter from the veterinarians. Several numbers were discussed. More research is needed to determine what will generate enough to maintain and replace the system when it is at end of life. The dog kennel flaps have been installed and there is a noticeable difference in temperature in the dog holding areas. The holding area dogs can not be handled sometimes and the shelter has figured out a work around to keep staff safe. The shelter has also developed a system for dogs that cant or wont use it. The commercial dishwashers, along with the water softener and hot water heaters to support it have been installed and are working great. The high temperature will eradicate many diseases and viruses that could lurk on hand washed items. New Business Dr. Bolden is no longer working in Jefferson City. Dr. Kolisch , from Weathered Rock Veterinary Clinic, attended todays meeting and expressed some interest in joining the committee. Manager Blatter will email her the application. Dr. Kolisch also stated that another veterinarian from the clinic would be interested and she was sure that one of them would be willing to sit on the advisory committee. Chief Schroeder thanked her. Meeting Adjourned at 1:30 pm Next meeting September 21 , 2021 12:30 PM Conference Room, Jefferson City Animal Shelter Respectfully submitted Lori A Blatter