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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC-07/13/2000MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA THURSDAY, JULY 139 2000 .............. ........ .............. ...... ..... ........................ ., CALL TO ORDER Mayor Brinley called the Study Session to order at 3:02 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Brinley led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: KELLEY, PAPE, SCHIFFNER, BRINLEY ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: METZE Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, Assistant City Manager Best, Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Services Director Sapp, Information/Communications Manager Dennis and Deputy City Clerk Bryning. PUBLIC COMMENTS — AGENDIZED ITEMS Tim Fleming, 17970 Lakeshore Drive, gave a history of his problems with barking dogs in his neighborhood. He stated that it has taken three years to resolve the problem. He stated that the owners refused to comply with requests from both the neighborhood and Animal Control. He indicated that because of a hearing by Animal Control, the owners finally got rid of the dog, but now they have a new dog and the neighborhood is experiencing the same problem. He asked that Council assist Animal Control is giving the Animal Control Ordinance some teeth for enforcement. Denise Reese - Fleming, 17970 Lakeshore Drive, concurred with Mr. Fleming and noted the location of their home. She explained that they live in an open space area and barking dog noise carries for up to one -half a mile. She noted that she had seen dogs tied up for months at a time and given little to no attention, which can, and usually does lead to barking problems. She stated that she felt that this was cruel treatment and unfair to the entire neighborhood. She stated that Animal Friends of the Valley have helped a great deal to address the problems and commended their efforts. She asked that the Council consider creating a better way for Animal Control to address these problems PAGE TWO - STUDY SESSION - JULY 13, 2000 DISCUSSION ITEM 1. Animal Friends of the Valley. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that this item was before Council with a request for a new contract with an increase in the amount over what is currently being charged. He noted that Animal Friends of the Valley was formerly Lake Elsinore Animal Friends formed in 1988. He commented that LEAF has operated without an increase since the City reduced the budget several years ago. He noted that when the item was brought before Council, Animal Friends of the Valley was unable to provide staff to answer questions and a Study Session was set to provide the opportunity for Council to review of the item. He stated that Ann Washington, General Manager and Willa Bagwell, Assistant Director of Animal Friends of the Valley were available for questions. He indicated that Community Services Director Sapp has met with Ms. Washington and discussed some of the questions that Council is concerned about. Mayor Pro Tem Pape asked about the status of Mrs. Boyd's complaint. Ms. Bagwell stated that the owners were notified that there have been several complaints regarding their Pitbull dogs. She indicated that on July 13, 2000 at 6:00 a.m., the owner was contacted and informed that a leash, chain or cable must be attached in such a manner as to prevent the dogs from coming off the property or onto the public right of way was required. She noted that the owner was advised that if there were further incidents regarding the dogs running at large, Animal Friends of the Valley would pursue a warrant to remove the dogs pending a hearing. The owner agreed to comply. Mayor Brinley asked why Mrs. Boyd was not contacted and questioned the response that Mrs. Boyd received from the Animal Control Officer that she talked to on the phone. Ms. Bagwell stated that the officer in questioned was interviewed and she stated that Mrs. Boyd had told her that the dogs were not aggressive, however they were running at large and it was feared that they would be aggressive. Mrs. Boyd did not report that the dogs were being aggressive or that she had to take physical action. Ms. Washington noted that Animal Control received a call on Saturday from an unidentified caller questioning if the City had a leash law, and informed the officer that there were two pitbull dogs at large. She noted that the officer reported that they were not being aggressive and the owners were in the front yard with them, however they were allowed to leave the property. Ms. Washington noted the number of tags that were left on the owner door prior to making personal contact. She indicated that Animal Control had received no response from the owner of the dogs until she was personally contacted. Mayor Brinley stated that Mrs. Boyd did not know that Animal Control was addressing the issue and that was why she came before Council. Ms. Washington apologized that staff did not call back and stated that even though they had not d PAGE THREE - STUDY SESSION - JULY 139 2000 had personal contact with the owner, they should have informed Mrs. Boyd of the actions taken. She noted that it was not initially reported by Mrs. Boyd that the dogs had run up to her and that she felt threatened and had to take physical action. She explained that had the Animal Control Officer known the status of the threat, a warrant could have been obtained with the City Attorney's assistance and the dogs removed. She explained the amount of time that type of action takes. COUNCILMAN METZE ARRIVED AT 3:28 P.M. Mayor Pro Tem Pape questioned the mileage charged for vehicle replacement. Ms. Washington stated that Animal Friends of the Valley have reached a point where they cannot provide the vans. She noted that when LEAF was formed, they purchased the van from the City, and since then they have provided the vans for all the Cities they service, however they have reached a point where the Board has determined they can no longer do that. She noted that they have figured a mileage cost to cover the cost of operation as well as provide a replacement amount to provide new vehicles. Mayor Pro Tem Pape stated that the standard IRS rate is $31 a mile and that includes fuel, maintenance and depreciation. He stated that it seems to be double at $.40 a mile plus $11,000 a year for replacement. He asked how the $.40 was decided. Ms. Washington stated that a study was done and that amount was determined due to the type of vehicle used and type of roads they travel on that cause the need for suspension replacement and repair greater than would be necessary for a private vehicle. She stated that it costs $.40 a mile just to operate and maintain each vehicle. Mayor Pro Tem Pape commented that he felt that $.40 a mile was excessive and explained that $31 includes depreciation of the vehicle and should cover the cost of repairs as well. He stated that it should be one or the other and not the $11,000 as well as $.40 a mile. He explained that the $.40 a mile should cover the cost of the operations and maintenance as well as the cost of a new vehicle, and not both amounts. He questioned the cost of the 911 calls. Ms. Bagwell explained the need for an on -call officer to respond for night calls that are emergencies after hours. Mayor Brinley asked for clarification of the emergency calls. Ms. Bagwell explained that they provide the public with an 800 number, which goes to an answering service, and they dispatch an officer to the call. She noted that Police Dispatch no longer handles emergency calls for Animal Control and Animal Friends of the Valley must pay an answering service to respond to the public. She noted that this is after 5:00 p.m. and before 8:00 a.m. Mayor Pro Tem Pape noted the difference in cost and service of Animal Control Officers. Ms. Washington stated the problem with keeping people in the license system. She noted that they send reminders for licensing and when there is no response, the officer must go to the residence to make contact. She stated that if PAGE FOUR - STUDY SESSION - JULY 139 2000 Administrative Citations are approved it would assist Animal Control in getting the people to license their dogs within 14 days, without getting a signature by finding the owners at home or calling the police out for people that do not want to sign citations. She explained that when a citation goes to the court system, they are still not required to obtain a license and the money goes to the court. She noted that an administrative citation would keep the money at animal control level and reduce costs. Ms. Washington noted the Animal Control Study that was done and explained that the City of Murrieta and Temecula paid for the Study to be sure that the amounts charged were accurate. She noted that the fees included in the study are the actual costs for operation. Mayor Pro Tem Pape noted the cost of the interim facility and the cost of the new facility. He noted the amount charged for the officers would not go to their salary, but to the new building. Ms. Washington stated that a portion would be spent on the new facility, however the cost for increase in wages was a factor as well. Mayor Brinley asked what percentage of the money allocated for officers would be going to the new building. Ms. Washington stated that the amount is for wages, future increases, support staff, uniforms and benefits as well as cost of utilities and personal needs of the Officers. There was general discussion regarding the cost per Animal Control Officer and the additional amount required to maintain each Officer. Councilwoman Kelley clarified that the current $31.00 per hour was not maintaining the officer and the cost to maintain the officer at the Interim Shelter would be $41.00 per hour and would increase to $45.00 when the new Shelter opens. Ms. Washington stated that the amount figured was figured into the formula of the Study for full cost recovery. She stated that what they are requesting is a $10,000 increase in the contract amount. She noted that LEAF lost $20,000 five years ago and during that time services have increase with the growth of the City. She stated that they have met those demands without receiving an increase in funds and can no longer operate at that level. She stated that Animal Friends of the Valley wished to work with the City and noted that if the City would allow the implementation of Administrative Citations, it could create a reduction in costs. Mayor Pro Tem Pape noted the Assets of Animal Friends of the Valley and noted the $715,000 in the line items listed as Investment - Financial Network and Cash Sav- Aetna. He asked the source of those monies. Ms. Washington stated that it is money that they received from fundraisers and from estates left to Animal Friends of the Valley. Councilwoman Kelley asked if the money was earmarked for the new building. Ms. Washington stated that it was. Mayor Pro Tem Pape questioned the line item listed as Brick Liability. Ms. Washington PAGE FIVE - STUDY SESSION - JULY 139 2000 stated that they are bricks that are sold to individuals to become part of the new shelter and provide further funding for the building of the new shelter. Mayor Pro Tem Pape questioned the Tiffany Fund. Ms. Washington explained that the Tiffany Fund is a trust made up of donations for veterinary services for injured animals. He questioned the Building Fund Liability and stated that this amount should be listed as an asset and balanced in the liability column. He questioned the amount that Animal Friends of the Valley has available for building. Ms. Washington stated that they currently have approximately $700,000 for the new building. Mayor Pro Tem Pape asked if the Money Market and Investment Network were restricted for the building or was it just designated. Ms. Washington stated that the funds are restricted for building. Mayor Pro Tem Pape asked why the City of Lake Elsinore was the only one to have penalties. Ms. Washington explained that the other cities keep the license fees and penalties with the exception of the $5 fee for processing. She noted that the City of Lake Elsinore does not do this. Mayor Pro Tem Pape noted the amount charged to the other cities versus the charges to the City of Lake Elsinore. He noted the difference in size and population and questioned the reason for the costs when Animal Friends of the Valley is collecting the total amount of License Fees as well as penalties. Ms. Bagwell explained the difference in service that the City of Lake Elsinore is receiving and the service that the other cities pay for. Mayor Brinley asked about the service that is done in the County. Ms. Bagwell stated that they get a lot of County calls, however they are referred to County of Riverside Animal Control. She noted that they do no enforcement in the County and the only service they provide to the County is shelter of animals and a fee is charged to the County for that service. Councilwoman Kelley noted the amount that was suggested in the Study was $180,000 plus license revenues at the new shelter. Ms. Washington stated that they do not expect to recover the entire amount of cost. Councilwoman Kelley noted that the services the Animal Friends of the Valley render to the City of Lake Elsinore on a flat contract are still less than what each service would cost. She stated that if they placed the City on the same agreement as Temecula, which is by event, then it would cost a great deal more. Councilman Schiffner noted that Animal Control is a 24 -hour operation and asked what was being done in Temecula and Murrieta. He stated that his concern was what the City paid and that it was a fair share of the total cost for services. Ms. Washington gave an overview of the services provided to each city and indicated the number of calls in Lake Elsinore versus the other cities. Mayor Pro Tem Pape questioned the total amount of revenue received from the City of Lake Elsinore for Dog Licenses, plus the amount of PAGE SIX - STUDY SESSION - JULY 139 2000 the contract would be approximately $130,000 and the study states that the full cost of service to the City was $160,000. He questioned the amount. Ms. Washington stated that in 1999, it cost $156,712 for the program and the revenue received from the City of Lake Elsinore was $128,291, which included the $75,000 and $53,291. She noted a shortfall of $28,421, which is subsidized by Animal Friends of the Valley. Mayor Pro Tem Pape noted that they were looking to make $20,000 through the Administrative Citation Program. Ms. Washington stated that the proposal has the increases from the Study. She noted that at this time they are asking for a small increase to assist in operations cost. She noted the amount of money saved through cat licensing. Mayor Brinley addressed cat licensing and noted that the City of Lake Elsinore was the only City in the area that had cat licenses. She stated that when LEAF came to Council to develop the new ordinance, Council was assured that the other cities were going to develop the same program, however that did not happen. She noted public opposition to cat licensing. She further noted a phone call that she received from a resident complaining that Animal Control saw two cats in her window and went to her door and cited her for unlicensed cats. She noted that no warning was given and she, as Mayor, objected to that action. Ms. Washington stated that the Ordinance is saving lives. She explained that in 1998 LEAF took in 425 owner- relinquished cats and impounded 568 cats, which costs the City money; and in 1999 there were 298 owner - relinquished cats and 399 cats impounded. She noted the difference that was made in just one year. Ms. Bagwell indicated that Lake Elsinore is used as a model ordinance. Ms. Washington noted that when LEAF began only 55% of the dogs in the City were altered, and now 85% are altered. She noted the City of Lake Elsinore is a model City for saving pet lives. Mayor Brinley stated that she does appreciate the statistics, however she was disappointed in the fact that the other cities were not charging for cat licenses and this casts a bad light on the City of Lake Elsinore. Ms. Washington noted the problems they encountered trying to get other cities and the County to adopt cat licensing. She stated that the root of the problem was political because of the large number of breeders in other areas and indicated that she is still working at trying to promote cat licensing to save lives. She noted that if the City choose not to do cat licensing, then it would mean a loss of revenue for the licensing and an increase in costs for impounded cats since there would be no incentive to alter cats. City Manager Watenpaugh clarified the billing and stated that the only thing that should be compared from City to City is the amount that is paid by the General Fund. He noted that the City could take the revenue source back for the licensing, however the City would be responsible for collection of the revenue and enforcement as well. He indicated that one of the problems that the City has is that the Animal PAGE SEVEN - STUDY SESSION - JULY 139 2000 Control Officer has to go back over and over to a residence to make personal contact with the owner in order to issue a citation, however in Temecula they issue Administrative Citations and visit the house only once. Mayor Pro Tern Pape clarified that Animal Control sends a bill and if the bill is not paid in 14 days then they have the right to send the bill to collections with a fee attached. Ms. Washington concurred. Councilwoman Kelley stated that she would rather stay with a flat fee, rather than case by case. She stated that she had one sensitive area and that was regarding license renewal and indicated it could be done by mail. She questioned if it would be necessary to canvass. Councilman Metze questioned the collections that would be done on Administrative Citations. Ms. Washington stated that Temecula does their own collections and they charge a $50 administrative fee; Murrieta uses a collection service and they charge $100. Community Services Director Sapp stated that the City could handle Animal Control Citations the same way that the City handles Lake Citations. He stated that they are turned over to a collection service. Ms. Bagwell noted that currently all of the citations are done through the court and the court collects all the fees. Councilman Metze asked what would happen if a dog owner in the City does not pay for their license in 14 days. Ms. Washington stated that if the Animal Control Officer could obtain a signature on a citation, it would be submitted to the courts. She explained that the owner would then go to court; pay the fine; the court keeps the fine; and Animal Control still has a dog with no license. Councilman Metze asked what Animal Control does if they can't get a signature. Ms. Bagwell stated that they keep going back to the residence and leaving door tags. Mayor Pro Tern Pape asked if that was why the number of response calls is so high. Ms. Bagwell confirmed. Councilman Metze questioned the amount of dogs that were licensed in Temecula versus Lake Elsinore. Community Services Director Sapp clarified that the budget as presented in the staff report proposes what the City of Lake Elsinore would pay if the City were not paying a flat fee. He stated that they are not asking the City to enter into this type of program, but rather to show a comparison of the services. Mayor Pro Tern stated Pape that the Citation Program would place our residents in the position of being turned over to a collection service. He stated his opposition to that action. Councilman Schiffner stated that what was being compared was apples to oranges and noted that what was important was the adoption of Administrative Citations. He noted that without that program, it accounts for the amount of calls that are made and the number of hours that are required to cite which is excessive. He felt that the City should adopt an Administrative Citation process. Councilwoman PAGE EIGHT - STUDY SESSION - JULY 139 2000 Kelley asked if the citations would only apply to licenses. Ms. Bagwell stated that it would be for any issue, such as dogs running at large, etc. Councilwoman Kelley asked for clarification. City Manager Watenpaugh clarified that if the City of Temecula was billed six hours a day, then they get service six hours a day, Monday through Friday. He asked what happens on Saturday for an emergency call. Ms. Bagwell stated that they are charged over and above the regular rate. Councilman Schiffner stated that he felt there was a need for Administrative Citations and the City should depend on the Officer to issue the citation fairly. Councilman Metze asked who gets the revenue from the Administrative Citations. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that if it were a City Ordinance, then the revenue would come to the City. He explained that the money would be passed through to Animal Control to reduce costs. Mayor Brinley stated that the only problem she had with Administrative Citations was if one neighbor had a problem with another, then they could turn the dog in and create a situation for the City. Ms. Bagwell stated that the Animal Control Officer must see the dog at large, or hear the barking to issue a citation, it cannot just be a complaint, but must be witnessed by the Officer. Ms. Washington stated that there is a hearing process for barking dogs and potentially dangerous dogs. Mayor Brinley clarified the process. Ms. Bagwell stated that there was an appeal process. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that a Good Neighbor clause could be added to the Ordinance. He explained the program and indicated that Animal Control could respond and leave a door tag that informs the dog owner that Animal Control had received a complaint. He noted that it could include a warning that should Animal Control respond and witness the problem a second time, the owner would be cited. Mayor Brinley stated that she would think that was acceptable. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that during the canvass a warning could be issued giving the animal owner 14 days in which to license their animals instead of issuing a citation on the spot. He noted that Animal Friends of the Valley's intent was to receive the Administrative Citation Fees to defer costs. He explained that with the $10,000 increase in the contract and the estimate for citations it would balance the City's costs for services to almost the correct amount. Councilwoman Kelley asked if this would include canvassing. Ms. Bagwell stated that State law requires that Animal Control agencies canvass. PAGE NINE - STUDY SESSION - JULY 139 2000 Mayor Pro Tem Pape asked if the anticipated income of $20,000 from Administrative Citations would be over and above the $53,000 for license fees. Ms. Washington stated that was the intent of the program. Mayor Pro Tem Pape questioned the bottom total. Ms. Washington corrected an error in the Study. She noted that there was no fee for owner- relinquished animals and explained that any impound and boarding fees were put into supporting animals for the opportunity of adoption. Mayor Pro Tem Pape questioned the mileage charged on the City. Ms. Washington indicated that the additional mileage was for vehicle replacement. City Manager Watenpaugh clarified that Animal Friends of the Valley were creating a sinking fund and the mileage was the reimbursement to create a vehicle fund. Mayor Pro Tem Pape noted the $.97 per mile to pay mileage for both operations and maintenance as well as vehicle replacement. There was general discussion regarding the mileage. Councilman Schiffner stated that the bottom line was whether the City was willing to pay an increase of $10,000 and mileage. He asked if the City went to the Administrative Citation program, how much could that generate. Ms. Washington stated that it could generate a lot of money, however there is no way to know for sure. Mayor Pro Tem Pape stated that if the City was going to contribute $11,000 for vehicle replacement, and did not see why the City should be charged $.40 a mile instead of the IRS standard of $31 a mile. Councilman Metze stated that he felt there was no need to purchase a new vehicle every three years when the amount of mileage was much lower than the other cities, City Manager Watenpaugh noted the amount of calls and problems the City experiences. He stated that if the City uses Administrative Citations, the amount received could be tracked and at the end of the year if the program generates $50,000 to $70,000 then there could be a reduction in the amount paid in the next year. Councilman Schiffner stated that the money from Administrative Citations could go into the Animal Control fund, whereas the money presently collected goes into the court system. Councilman Metze asked why there was a need to purchase a new vehicle every three years when the City only logs 20,000 miles a year. Ms. Washington stated that when a vehicle has been driven over difficult roadways with heavy loads and reaches 60,000 miles it needs replacement. She noted that if it were a vehicle driven on regular roadways, then there would be no need to replace it so soon. Councilman Metze noted that Lake Elsinore logs 20,000 miles a year and Temecula logs 31,000 miles a year and yet the City was being figured PAGE TEN - STUDY SESSION - JULY 139 2000 for a vehicle at the same time. He stated that he does not see the similarity. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that the report indicates that Animal Control can get more miles from Temecula and Murrieta since they have fewer dirt roads to patrol. Mayor Brinley stated that the other communities have as many dirt roads as Lake Elsinore. Councilman Schiffner indicated that a large percentage of Animal Control's mileage is freeway travel to get to the other communities. He stated that he felt that the Administrative Citations could go into a replacement fund to provide for a new vehicle, and if the vehicle does not need to be replaced in three years, then the money could accumulate. Ms. Washington stated that if Animal Friends of the Valley have a worthy vehicle, they would not want to trade it in. Mayor Brinley clarified that if the City has a vehicle, then that is the only place that it is used. Ms. Washington concurred. She stated that they do lend assistance when needed, however that would be the only time that the vehicle would be out of the City. She noted that each officer is required to keep a log. Mayor Pro Tern Pape asked if Animal Friends of the Valley keep their books on a calendar year or a fiscal year. Ms. Washington stated that the bookkeeper has kept the books on a calendar year, however she is trying to do her budgets on a fiscal year. She stated that she was in the process of revising the method. Mayor Pro Tem. Pape asked if the bookkeeper was a volunteer or paid personnel. Ms. Washington stated that she receives a stipend. She noted that the bookkeeper has started a new method of books. Mayor Pro Tem Pape stated that he was not comfortable with the duel expense for both mileage and vehicle replacement mileage. He noted the 32% increase for an Animal Control Officer and stated that in his opinion the only reason there was a large jump in costs was the change in facilities. He stated that he does not remember an item being brought before Council to be given the opportunity to state support or not for the new facility. He noted that Animal Friends of the Valley were proposing to build a $4,000,000 Dog Pound and noted that was the cost of the new Police Facility. He stated his appreciation for Ms. Washington's enthusiasm, but noted that Council needed to balance other needs as well. He explained that it was the Council's job to decide the allocation of funds and where it was most needed. He noted the difference between the budget of 1999 and 2000. He stated that he was in favor of the Administrative Citation Program. He explained that he has no problem with sending animal owners renewal notices for licensing, however he does object to sending someone to collections and a $100 fee after 14 days. Ms. Washington stated that they do send second notices before the penalty phase kicks in, however that action does cost more money and is not recovered through the license. Mayor Pro Tern Pape stated that he does not approve of a heavy hand. He noted that if a persons pet dies and they PAGE ELEVEN - STUDY SESSION - JULY 139 2000 receive a notice, then they would just throw it away since they no longer have the pet, then all of a sudden they are hit by a collection agency and a fine. He noted that if they were trying to get a loan and this appeared on their credit report, it would cause a major upheaval. Councilman Metze stated that 14 days was nothing, since this was not just getting a bill and paying it, but rather making an appointment to have shots for the animal and then getting the certification and bill back to Animal Control. He noted the number of people that commute to their jobs and the amount of trouble the 14 day requirement could cause. Mayor Brinley stated that she does not want to see Animal Control Officers repeatedly returning to a residence to make contact with the owners. She stated that she would like to see the Officer place a warning on the door if no one is home and then if the owner does not make contact and correct the problem, they are cited. She stated that she felt that 14 days was not a fair amount of time and suggested 30 days which would give the owner the opportunity to prepare. She concurred with Mayor Pro Tem Pape regarding the mileage. Councilman Metze noted that currently there was no administration. He noted that once an animal goes delinquent, then there was nothing done. Ms. Washington stated that that there are 1,700 on the delinquent roll, and even if the Animal Control Officer can find the owner at home and issue a court citation, the action does not require the person in violation to obtain a dog license and the problem still exists. Councilman Metze suggested an amnesty period to encourage people to get their pets licensed. Ms. Washington stated that they have tried that and the program was not effective. Mayor Pro Tem Pape stated that the Administrative Citation Program declares that a person is guilty until they prove they are innocent. Mayor Brinley stated that if the animal is dead, then all that the person needs to do is call to inform Animal Control. Ms. Bagwell stated that for new licenses they would not issue a citation unless the Officer saw the dog personally. Councilman Metze asked how they would know it was the same dog. Ms. Bagwell stated that they have a list of the persons that have dogs that have been licensed at that property. Mayor Pro Tem Pape stated that if the animal was dead that was on the list and a dog was visiting that address then they would be cited and the owner must prove that they are innocent. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that he does not know the solution, however he noted a problem that arose during the last City Council Meeting. He stated that Street Sweeping was the issue and there is an ordinance on the books, however the City has no way to enforce the ordinance. He stated that there is a need for teeth to enforce the ordinance. PAGE TWELVE - STUDY SESSION - JULY 139 2000 Mayor Pro Tern Pape stated that he had a problem with canvassing since the City was paying for mileage and not getting any revenue from that action. He stated that he did not want to see the City pay for Animal Control's resource. Ms. Washington stated that canvassing does generate revenue and will offset the contract. Councilmember Schiffner noted that canvassing was a State Law and must be done. He stated that Council can sit all day and come up with various types of particular circumstances that could prove unfair to someone, however that is the way with every rule and law that a governing agency has on its books, however what the City needs to do is come up with some regulation that properly enforces the particular issue. He further stated that if Council felt that 14 days was not enough, then Council could make it 30 days. He commented that there was a need for regulation and the need to enforce it. He noted that there would always be a few people that the law would not be fair to. Mayor Pro Tem Pape commented on what the City generates as total revenue compared to Temecula or Murrieta. He noted that both cities are larger than Lake Elsinore and yet Lake Elsinore generates more revenue. He stated that he felt that the City was paying its share in comparison to what the other cities were paying. Councilman Schiffner stated that he did not feel that it was a good comparison since each City had a different service contract and does not receive equal service. He stated the question that should be considered was whether the City should go another $10,000 on the contract for Animal Control, and if the Council should agree to that, it does not mean that the City is buying any of the numbers presented in the report and that can still be negotiated. Mayor Pro Tern Pape stated that his point was that if the City was already paying more than the other cities that are larger than Lake Elsinore, why should the City want to pay even more. Councilman Schiffner stated that he was not sure that the City was paying more. Ms. Bagwell stated that the City of Lake Elsinore was getting more service. She noted that when an Officer pulls out after six hours in Temecula and there are calls pending the calls have to wait until the Officer can fit them into the next six hours. Mayor Pro Tern Pape stated that some of the time the City of Lake Elsinore was receiving was done canvassing and he did not want that done on City time. Ms. Bagwell stated that it was a State Law and Animal Control agencies canvass in every city they service. Mayor Pro Tern Pape stated that there is canvassing and there is canvassing. He further stated that a drive through in a neighborhood could be canvassing. He noted that knocking on every single door is not necessary. Ms. Bagwell explained that if an Animal Control Officer receives a call on PAGE THIRTEEN - STUDY SESSION - JULY 13, 2000 Outrigger Street and they have no further calls, then they would go door to door on that street. She noted that the main purpose was to address expired licenses. Mayor Pro Tern Pape stated that he wanted to see it done through the mail and strongly suggested that they not use mileage or an Officer. Ms. Washington stated that was why they canvass an area the Officer is already in. She explained that it gives Animal Control the opportunity to address delinquent licenses and utilize the Officer's time properly. She stated that the City of Lake Elsinore has more dogs, receives more hours and receives more after hour calls. She gave an overview of the amount of calls that are received from Lake Elsinore. Mayor Pro Tern Pape stated that the numbers in the report did not support that. There was general discussion regarding the service that the City of Lake Elsinore receives. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that in the past City's staff has come forward to Council with recommendations and noted that it did not matter what was being done in other cities, it was the type of service that the City of Lake Elsinore desired that should be considered. He stated that the City of Temecula was charging TUMPF Fees and they have good roads, the City of Lake Elsinore is not charging TUMPF Fees and has bad roads. He commented that what needed to be the focus was what the City really wanted and needed and not what others had. He suggested that in the future that Animal Friends of the Valley only present what services they were offering the City and not what other cities were getting since they do not have comparable services. He stated that the City should set the standard for what the City wants, Animal Friends present a budget for those services and Council either accept or reject the contract. Councilwoman Kelley stated that the City was getting all the services at a flat contract amount and what they were asking for was a $10,000 increase in the contract. She stated that if the City chooses not to do that then the City would have to go on an "each service charge" basis and it would be way over the $10,000 increase in the City base contract. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that all Council needed to do was to decide the amount that they were willing to spend. If the Council decided that they would spend $75,000 for services, then that would be the service they would receive. He stated that the service level the City will receive is in the Council's hands and has nothing to do with what Temecula or Murrieta is getting. He stated that knocking on doors was a State Mandated issue and he indicated that he would have the City Attorney review the law and issue an opinion. Ms. Washington gave an overview of the basic services they provide for the City. She stated that the Officers were not directly assigned an area to canvass and that function only took place when they were waiting for calls. She further stated that there was a need for an PAGE FOURTEEN - STUDY SESSION - JULY 139 2000 Officer 50 hours a week and without those amount of hours other officers were in danger or could not respond to serious calls in the City. Mayor Pro Tem. Pape stated that he was not suggesting changing the hours, however he did suggest that it would require fewer hours if an Officer did not canvass door to door. He noted the increase for an Animal Control Officer. Ms. Washington stated that for the last 12 years the City has not totally covered the cost for an Officer. She stated that it was not so much a case of an increase to the City as a recovery of costs to break even. She noted the low pay that the Officers receive that work for Animal Friends of the Valley. She explained that the Officers are getting $25,000 a year have been with LEAF and Animal Friends of the Valley for the last 8 years. She noted that there are other Officers that have been with them that are getting $15,000 a year. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that staff needs some type of consensus of what Council wants in order to bring the item forward. Councilman Schiffner stated that all the figures presented were the way that Animal Control would break down the funds, however the bottom line would still be a flat $85,000, irrespective of how Animal Friends of the Valley breaks it down for an Officer, mileage or building, it would still be $85,000 a year. He stated that all the numbers presented have no relation to what the City is paying. He indicated that the numbers were presented to show Council how much it costs for them to operate. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that by Animal Friends of the Valley breaking the numbers out, the intent was to show how they spend the money they would receive from the contract. He noted that Mayor Pro Tem. Pape's comments were addressing the type of service that he did not want them to perform, and not the reduction of hours or officers. He stated that Animal Friends of the Valley were asking for a $10,000 increase, which is 32% over the current contract. He explained that they had not had a cost of living increase since 1995. Councilman Schiffner stated that no matter how they break down the dollars, it would still cost the City $85,000 and the bottom line question was if Council if that it was worth $85,000. Councilwoman Kelley stated that if Council did not wish to go with a flat contract then the City would have to pay on a case by case basis and that action could cost a whole lot more for the same service. City Manager Watenpaugh asked for a consensus of what Council would like staff to bring back for consideration. Councilman Schiffner stated that he would like to see something that would institute the Administrative Citation. Councilwoman Kelley stated PAGE FIFTEEN - STUDY SESSION - JULY 139 2000 that she would like to see the contract addressed at the same time as the Administrative Citation program. Mayor Brinley stated that she wanted to see a program that would cut down the Administrative hours and would like Animal Friends of the Valley to better address the mileage. ADJOURNMENT THE CITY COUNCIL STUDY�ION ADJOURNED AT 5:23 P.M. MA CITY OF Respectfully submitted, gAd L. Bryning, Deputy ty Cler AT EST: Tj VICKI KASAD, CMC, CITY CLERK CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE