Agenda Item Wording:
title
Confirm acceptance of a $7,500 grant from the California Animal Welfare Funders Collaborative (CAWFC) for the Spay and Neuter of 175 Feral Cats and confirm the City Manager’s execution of the CAWFC grant agreement.
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Deadline for Action: 6/5/2023
Submitting Department: Community Services
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Melody Murch, 559-713-4379, melody.murch@visalia.city
Kelli Kincaid, 559-713-4042, kelli.kincaid@visalia.city
Department Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council confirm acceptance of a $7,500 grant from the California Animal Welfare Funders Collaborative (CAWFC) for Spay and Neuter of 175 Feral Cats to be limited to eligible animals brought to the Visalia Animal Care Center (VACC); and confirm the City Manager’s authority to execute the grant agreement.
Background Discussion:
In March 2023, Animal Services staff were presented with an opportunity to apply for a CAWFC grant. The application submitted by staff requested a total of $15,000, which was divided between a request for $7,500 to fund low-cost Spay and Neuter services for animal owners, and a request for $7,500 to fund a total of 175 cat alterations through the City's Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) Feral Cat Program. All funds requested were to provide services to citizens eligible for services through the Visalia Animal Care Center (VACC).
The City has been notified of an award for the proposed TNR program funding in the amount of $7,500. Due to timelines for acceptance, the agreement has been signed by the City Manager and submitted, but will be withdrawn should Council fail to approve acceptance of the grant. A copy of the required grant agreement is provided as Attachment A to this item.
Proposed Use of Grant Funds:
Rather than use this grant to pay for existing services, Animal Services staff contacted Tulare County Animal Services to discuss the possibility of expanding the number of TNR appointments available through a contract for the services of the TC staff Veterinarian one day per month for approximately 6 months. This proposed contract would provide for the spay and neuter of 175 Feral Cats. The grant would provide approximately $40 per animal for spay and neuter, which would pay the pricing available from Tulare County for low cost spay and neuter services. The proposed program is estimated to make an additional 30 TNR's available each month for 6 months. These appointments would be offered in the same manner as the City's current TNR program.
If approved to move forward with grant acceptance, Visalia Animal Services will work with Tulare County Animal Services on the logistics of this program. Any contract for services between the City of Visalia and Tulare County resulting from this program would be for approximately $7,500 and fall under the purchasing authority of the Community Services Director, or the City Manager, and would not be brought back to Council. Should the City be unable to reach an agreement with Tulare County, Staff will pursue other sources of veterinary services to provide for low cost spay and neuter under this grant.
Fiscal Impact:
The grant awarded to the City of Visalia for TNR services will cover the cost of spay and neuter services for 175 feral cats. The operation of this program would use current City staff and would not result in any material increase in cost to the Animal Services Fund. No General Fund money is requested for this program.
Prior Council Action: None.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: To decline the $7,500 grant, and forego the opportunity to increase the number of TNR appointments available through the VACC.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to confirm acceptance of a $7,500 grant from the California Animal Welfare Funders Collaborative (CAWFC) for Spay and Neuter of 175 Feral Cats; and confirm the execution of the contract by the City Manager.
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments:
Attachment A: CAWFC Grant Agreement 2023