THE CORPORATION OF DELTA
COUNCIL REPORT
REGULAR MEETING
To:
Mayor & Council
File No.:
ENQ 345
From:
Community Planning & Development Department
Date:
August 27, 2004
Request for Proposals to Provide Animal Control,
Regulation and Shelter Services in Delta
The following report has been reviewed and endorsed by the Chief Administrative Officer.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
A. That the Corporation of Delta not exercise its option for renewal under Clause 3.02 of the Licence Agreement between the Corporation of Delta and the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for the provision of animal control, regulation and shelter services.
B. That notice be given that the Corporation of Delta will not be exercising its option for renewal under paragraph 9 of the agreement between the Corporation of Delta and the SPCA, Vancouver Regional Branch, for the SPCA's non-exclusive licence to use Delta's animal shelter on 80th Street.
C. That a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the provision of animal control, regulation and shelter services for Delta be issued and that the SPCA be encouraged to submit a proposal.
D. That a Report containing evaluations of all proposals received be provided to Council with recommendations by no later than October 18, 2004.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this Report is to seek Council's approval to provide the SPCA with sufficient contractual notice to end current agreements and to seek approval to issue an RFP for the provision of animal control, regulation, and shelter services in Delta.
BACKGROUND:
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has provided Delta with services for over three decades. While the financial arrangements and level of service have varied over the years, for the most part Delta has been generally satisfied with the service. Recently public concerns emerged regarding practices of the SPCA over the past few years. At a Council Workshop held August 16, 2004 staff were directed to bring forward a report for dealing with this matter.
DISCUSSION:
As Delta is nearing the end of its present contractual agreements with the SPCA, it is an opportune time to go to the community at large to determine both the intent and level of service available from other comparable organizations. The current Licence Agreement with the SPCA dated January 7, 2002 for Animal Control, Regulation and Shelter Services, will expire December 31, 2004. The agreement provides for the option of renewing the contract another two years on the mutual agreement of Delta and the SPCA. In order to provide sufficient notice, it is proposed that Delta formally indicated its intent to not renew the current SPCA contract as soon as possible.
Delta also has an agreement with the SPCA dated January 31, 2003 providing for the occupation of Delta owned lands by the SPCA for the purposes of operating an animal control shelter and pound. The pound is located on 80th Street near Burns Bog on a fenced lot. Delta is the owner of the building and the term of this agreement is for one year from January 1, 2002 which automatically renews for 6 additional one year terms, ie: to December 31, 2009, unless Delta or the SPCA provides notice of intent to terminate the agreement at least 60 days prior to the expiry date. Therefore an appropriate recommendation has been prepared to provide the SPCA with notice of Delta's intent not to renew this agreement.
Through discussions with municipal representatives in other communities, a search of internet web sites, newspaper articles and direct correspondence from citizens to Mayor & Council it would appear that there are alternate groups available to provide the same or possibly an enhanced service to that currently being provided by the SPCA. A request for proposals will be structured in such a way to allow the proponent to provide a detailed bottom line estimate for their services, but also the ability to demonstrate their operational philosophy. For example, the proponents will be asked to explain, commit and defend their position on euthanization of all animals given to their care. (AAS: Yay for Cheech and for everyone who had the foresight and bravery to take this to the media!)
The general principles of the RFP will include (7) seven broad conditions as follows:
1. To ensure public safety with respect to contact with animals of any species.
2. To address all public concerns relating to “noise and/or nuisance” caused by domestic animals that are normally tamed or domesticated.
3. To adopt a policy of non-euthanization of any tamed or domesticated animals except for rare and/or medically warranted situations.
4. To ensure the humane treatment of animals within Delta.
5. To work with the Corporation of Delta in providing animal licencing and control services.
6. To maintain and operate the Corporation of Delta animal control building on 80th Street.
7. To provide broad ranging and quality public education in order to facilitate the above.
We will require that all proposals are submitted to the Corporation of Delta by 12:00 noon on September 30, 2004. The evaluation of the proposals with recommendations will be provided to Council by no later than October 18, 2004.
Financial Implications:
Seeking proposals for the provision of animal control, regulation and shelter services in Delta will ensure that the program is being managed and provided in the most efficient and economical manner.
CONCLUSION:
The SPCA has provided Delta with successful and on-going services for over three decades. During the last two years however the SPCA has come under increasing pressure from the public to be more accountable for their spending practices and animal disposal (euthanization) practices. As we are nearing the end of the current contractual agreements with the SPCA, it is an excellent time to go to the community at large to determine both the intent and level of service available from other comparable organizations.
Kip Gaudry, P.Eng.,
Director of Community Planning and Development
Department submission prepared by: Kip Gaudry
KG/kg/el/ks
G:\Development\Kg\2004docs\kg_r004.SPCA_revised Aug 27.doc