ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: November 20, 1998
Author/Local: P.Teichroeb/7545
RTS No. 225
CC File No. 1365

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	Chief License Inspector
SUBJECT:	Management of the Animal Control Branch

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council create a new exempt position of “Manager - Animal Control” to be funded through the current Animal Control Budget.

GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

THAT the General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing.

COUNCIL POLICY

There is no City Council policy directly related to this issue.

PURPOSE

To establish a new exempt position of Manager - Animal Control.

BACKGROUND

The City has operated the Pound for many years which has been managed by the Supervisor of Animal Control. That union position has been vacant for the past 1½ years with supervision provided on a rotating basis by existing staff. It has been recognized for some time that a review of the Animal Control Branch was needed in order to upgrade services and to address the operating costs. Since April of 1998, a consultant has been reviewing the operation of the Branch and acting as the Manager.

There are currently nine full-time staff augmented in the Summer by three Canvassers and three Animal Control Officers. Under the direction of the “Acting Manager”, staff have been actively involved in the development of policies, procedures and presenting creative and innovative methods for the day to day operations of the facility. There has been increased staff involvement in decision-making and in the direction that the Pound is taking with a renewed emphasis on customer service.

Some of the new initiatives that have been implemented include the following:

· review of fees and methods in other jurisdictions
· expanding services and hours of operation
· new computer applications for record-keeping
· monitoring the Vancouver Park Board “Off Leash Program”
· establishment of a volunteer program
· building a fenced playground on the adjoining property through donations
· adoption kits for new dog owners
· a volunteer veterinarian program for inoculation of dogs
· donations of inoculation services and other pet products
· a “no kill” policy for adoptable animals which is supported by non-profit groups.

Other improvement programs have been identified, including a complete review of the fee structure and a more aggressive revenue generating program.

DISCUSSION

It has become apparent that the Animal Control Branch must be managed by an exempt staff member. This is an independent function operating in a remote location with the Manager responsible for employee relations including hiring, firing, discipline and employee evaluations as well as The Labour Relation’s contract interpretation and application within the work group. This person is also responsible for program development, budgets, revenue generation, policy decisions and liaison with other City departments and outside agencies.

This position has been reviewed and classified as an exempt position titled Manager - Animal Control Branch by the GVRD.

CONCLUSION

The Chief License Inspector recommends that the new exempt position of Manager of Animal Control be approved by Council with the funding coming from the existing Animal Control Budget. It is important that this position be approved and a Manager hired immediately to ensure the continuation of the recent changes and improvement in service levels.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver