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HomeMy WebLinkAbout052-R-19 Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Grant Agreement with EASA to Fund Operations at the Evanston Animal Shelter5/9/2019 52-R-19 A RESOLUTION Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Grant Agreement with EASA to Fund Operations at the Evanston Animal Shelter WHEREAS, Ordinance 54-0-14 created the Animal Welfare Board to provide direction and guidance for the Evanston Animal Shelter located at 2310 Oakton Street (the "Shelter"); and WHEREAS, the City Council also adopted 56-R-15 to authorize the Evanston Animal Shelter Association ("EASA"), an Illinois not -for -profit corporation, to serve as the City's Volunteer Animal organization for the Shelter; and WHEREAS, EASA seeks grant funds from the City of Evanston to fund its operations and salaries for part-time staff members to serve as animal coordinators and kennel assistants; WHEREAS, EASA has successfully run the Shelter under a grant agreement with the City of Evanston from June 2017 to the preset; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Evanston finds the best interests of the City are served to execute a Grant Agreement with EASA to continue to financially support EASA's efforts to provide safe and quality services to the animals in its care at the Shelter, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS: 52-R-19 SECTION 1: The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the Grant Agreement (the "Agreement") by and between the City of Evanston and Evanston Animal Shelter Association, the Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and incorporated herein by reference. The grant funds will be distributed every six months for a two-year period to coincide with the term that EASA will continue its service as the Volunteer Animal Organization Agreement. Each grant installment is $32,500 for a total grant of $130,000. SECTION 2: That the City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to negotiate any remaining terms of the Agreement as he may be deem to be in the best interests of the City. SECTION 3: That this Resolution 52-R-19 shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval in the manner provided by law. Attest: Devon Reid, City Clerk Adopted: Ds) , 2019 ` 2; Approved as to form: Michelle L. Masoncup � p Cor oration Counsel —2— 52-R-19 EXHIBIT I GRANT AGREEMENT -3- The renewal of the contract between the City of Evanston and the Evanston Animal Shelter Association (EASA) is the perfect opportunity to define the Evanston Animal Shelter charter, provide historical context for the newer members of the City Council, and highlight some of the many accomplishments achieved at the shelter. ►ls��F�ta1i_I;1 110TJ:1' 14>li>i ( ; I:10A 9 A:7 The Evanston Animal Shelter is an open admission, city shelter which takes in all the abandoned, abused and surrendered animals from the Evanston community regardless of age, medical condition and temperament. HISTORY In May of 2014, CARE — the previous volunteer animal organization (VAO) operating the shelter— was asked to leave after protracted negotiations with the City failed to reach an agreement that would facilitate their continued involvement. The high euthanasia rate for dogs was the centerpiece of the issues, however the dissemination of more than $1.4M also became a factor. In the end CARE left the shelter, but was allowed to retain the funds. From May 2014 through May 2015 the City operated the shelter with the assistance of several key volunteers, including many current EASA Board Members. During that year the City, with the help of the Animal Welfare Board, issued an RFP for a new VAO. After a thorough vetting of organizations that responded to the RFP and presentations to the Human Services Committee and the City Council, the Evanston Animal Shelter Association was selected. A contract and a payroll grant were executed on June 1, 2015 and renewed for a 2-year period in April of 2017. The contract and payroll grant are set for renewal by the end of May 2019. It's important to note that prior to these agreements, the City had employed three individuals at the shelter, a Chief Animal Warden, an Animal Warden and a Kennel Assistant. The payroll grant allowed the City to eliminate two city positions as a cost savings measure. EVANSTON ANIMAL SHELTER MISSION Upon taking over operation of the shelter, EASA created the shelter's mission to serve as a guide for its path forward. The Evanston Anima! Shelter and Adoption Center is committed to providing compassionate and humane rare for Evanston's abandoned, abused and relinquished animals and to find them homes through rehabilitation, foster care, adoption, and rescue organizations. We aim to further serve the community as a proactive resource for education, counseling and support. EVANSTON ANIMAL SHELTER SAVE RATE From the beginning one of EASA's goals was to reduce the euthanasia rate by providing the best chance possible for every animal that comes through the shelter doors. EASA is incredibly proud of its Save Rate of 97%. Given the limited capacity of the shelter building, 24 dogs and optimally 35 cats, EASA has developed an extensive network of Foster Families. Fosters provide loving homes and care for a period of time while all expenses are covered by EASA. In particular animals with short-term medical conditions, animals that require constant care such as kittens that need 24/7 bottle feeding and those that simply do not adjust well to the shelter environment are placed in foster homes. At its high point, we have had as many as 150 animals in foster homes. EASA's foster network has helped contribute to the shelter's 97% save rate. Please see the attached chart for Intake and Outcome details for the years 2016 — 2018. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT While animals under its care are EASA's primary priority, it has a broader focus as well. EASA likes to say that we are, "More Than A Shelter," because we have created a number of special programs to serve the community. 324 of 340 Custodial Program: Sometimes people face a short term housing crisis. This may be the result of a domestic violence situation, a foreclosure, a job loss or an extended hospital stay. In the past, these families would have been forced to surrender their beloved pets, but our Custodial Program offers families the option to leave their pets in our care for up to six weeks while they have the opportunity to get back on their feet and have their pets returned to them. While the animals are at the shelter their vaccinations are brought up to date, they are spayed or neutered and we address any medical conditions they might have —free of charge. Over the past three years we have provided 1,800 days of custodial care to 34 animals under this program. Fair market value for this service would run more than $72,000. More Than A Shelter Clinic: Over the past three years EASA has taken in nearly 1,000 stray dogs and cats. The ideal outcome is for these animals to be returned to their homes. The best and quickest way to facilitate this is for the animals to be microchipped. In 2017 we hosted a free microchipping event where we chipped 34 cats and dogs. In 2018 we partnered with Companion Animal Hospital to include free rabies vaccinations, a State of Illinois law for all domestic pets. During our 2018 event 48 animals received a microchip and 75 received a rabies vaccination. We are proud to host the annual More Than A Shelter Clinic as a service to the community. High School Students, Junior Volunteer Program and Rescue Reader Program: EASA believes that the inclusion of young people is valuable to building self confidence, developing empathy for shelter animals and creating a pipeline of future volunteers. EASA welcomes high school students to volunteer as a way to broaden themselves as individuals, give back to the community and fulfill service requirements. There are currently more than two dozen ETHS students volunteering on regular shifts at the shelter. Our Junior Volunteer Program takes place from April through September. The program leader holds a monthly event for children ages 8 through 12. Because of space considerations the events are often held offsite and include things such as a demonstration by the Evanston K9 officer, a presentation by the Evanston Animal Control Officer, and a discussion about training service animals. The Rescue Reader Program allows children ages 4 and up, along with a parent or guardian, to come to the shelter and read to an animal. It's a fun way to sharpen reading skills while interacting with shelter animals. Forever Foster Program: Our Forever Foster Program recognizes that senior animals or animals with special medical needs are difficult to adopt because of the concern for future medical costs. EASA eliminates that concern by agreeing to pay for medical expenses for the life of the animal. We have found senior citizens and graduate students provide amazing forever foster homes. The animals win because they have the chance to live the remainder of their lives in loving homes. The fosters win because they are able to enjoy the love of an animal they might not otherwise be able to afford. Pet Food Bank: EASA is blessed to be the recipient of broad community support, including donations of food. Often people buy food for their picky eaters and bring us the food their animals refuse to eat. Sometimes people have lost their animal and have food left over that they don't want to be wasted. Whatever the reason, we take this donated food and pay it forward by providing a Food Bank for those who need help feeding their animals. We are all better served any time we can provide assistance that keeps an animal in a loving home rather than having it surrendered to the shelter for lack of resources. Senior Safety Net Program: EASA is proud to have launched a new program this past April. The Senior Safety Net Program addresses a growing need to provide assistance to seniors on a fixed income. We know that seniors often struggle with the cost of medical care for their companions. Something as simple as an ear infection, eye infection or the need for thyroid medication can stretch their budget beyond their means. This new program covers veterinary and medical costs up to $500 per year for up to two animals per household for individuals 53 years and older. Seniors shouldn't have to watch their animal suffer or choose between medical care for their beloved pet or putting food on their table. VOLUNTEERS EASA is fortunate to have a steady stream of volunteers without any active recruitment activities. Potential volunteers are first asked to watch a video on the shelter website. The video provides details about age requirements, shift 325 of 340 schedules and other relevant information. Once potential volunteers have viewed the video they sign up for an orientation session followed by canine or feline hands-on training and then start on their selected shifts. EASA currently has 175+ volunteers who care for the animals, maintain the cleanliness of the shelter and help with special events. The Evanston Animal Shelter Association was formed for the sole purpose of supporting the Evanston Animal Shelter and the Evanston Community. We look forward to renewing our contract with the City of Evanston and continuing to support the animals and the community. Attachments: Evanston Animal Shelter Intake and Outcome Statistics EASA Budget Promotional Flyer with Additional Key Shelter Metrics 326 of 340 The Evanston Animal Shelter is a small but mighty open admission community shelter. With a core of 175 volunteers, we provide compassionate care for all the abandoned, abused and relinquished animals that come through our door. rd- R1 1,OZ8 rDOWEE)TO PETS More than 11 J1 .800 Dja'Y"s of Custodial Care for 34 Animals We provide temporary care. free of charge for beloved pets when owners fall on hard times or -..low i 7 O Yoof Expenses Cover Medical Bills and Training Costs Our commitment to health, well-being and rehabilitation, essential for our 64 Anima Place Foste 9Z% Save Rate The percentage of animals leaving our shelter alive is well above the national standard of 90% for a shelter to be considered NO KILL. Numbers reflect 2016-2018 totals. EVANSTON a»mal sielter animals to find their forever homes. 2310 Oakton Street Evanston, IL 60202 847.866.5082 EASadoptions@gmail.com evanstonanimalshelter.net 327 of 340 O 'qt M y-- O 00 N M p.r. w N "rn w v+ w w v