Agenda - Council - 07/24/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CAS #!4 ANIMAL CONTROL CONTRACT By: Michael Auspos, Chief of Police Background: During the time period from May 1989 through April 1990 the City of Ramsey contracted with the Anoka County Humane Society for animal control services. The basic cost, under that contract, was $5,481.45 (.45¢ per capita based upon a population of 12,181). When May 1, 1990 came, the Humane Society had hired a new director, Alan Robinson, and they were studying contracting options for the next contract period. Because of this, the Society extended all contracts until a new one was prepared. They now have a contract to offer and the City received it for review on June 20, 1990, with a signing or rejection date set for August 1, 1990. The new contract is radically higher than the previous one. The Humane Society included with their offer an estimate of possible increases which was based on Ramseyts use rate from January 1, 1990 to May 30, 1990. The estimate projects a cost during the proposed contract date of $8,726.00 which is $3,245.00 higher than the previous contract. This estimate, however, leaves out some key figures. Finance Officer Sandra Ashley has prepared an estimate based on actual 1989 figures for what I believe is a much more accurate forecast and does fit with increases to other user communities. Her estimate is $17,182.00 and is $11,701.00 over the previous contract. This is a 318% increase. I have met with representatives from other communities which use the Humane Society and they are exploring other options. I will continue to work with them. At this point the City does have some other options to explore for animal control services, however, I don't believe any sound conclusions could be reached prior to August 1, 1990. Some of these options are: Contract with another private agency, join a joint powers effort with several other communities, remain with the Anoka County Humane Society, contract with the City of Anoka, or build our own facility. The last two options would require that the City have CSOts for transport persons. Recommendations: Motion to direct Staff to explore the available options for animal control services. For purposes of this study, police, administration, finance and community development should be included. - and - Motion to continue to contract, for the present, with the Anoka County Humane Society beginning August 1, 1990 at an estimated cost of $1,432.00 per month and, after the options are considered and a decision is made, if applicable, exercise Clause VIII of the contract which allows for termination after a 30 day written notice. Review Checklist: City Administrator X City Attorney X City Engineer Acting Community Develop Dir. X Public Works Supervisor Chief of Police Finance Officer Planning & Zoning Commission Park & Recreation Commission Other X X