REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION DECEMBER 12, 2022, 6 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, Room 1101 301 W. Second St. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Stephanie Hall, by Sunday noon, December 11, at 512-974-2210, or stephanie.hall@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS Craig Nazor, Chair Nancy Nemer Palmer Neuhaus Jo Anne Norton Luis Herrera Kristen Hassen, Parliamentarian Dr. Amanda Bruce AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ryan Clinton, Vice Chair Lisa Mitchell Katie Jarl Lotta Smagula Beatriz Dulzaides Dr. Paige Nilson The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on November 14, 2022. 2. Staff briefing by new wildlife Officers in the Animal Service Center regarding scope of 3. Overview of monthly report provided by the Animal Service Center. 4. Presentation of the Monthly Report by Austin Pets Alive! 5. Discussion regarding any updates for companion animals at emergency shelters in winter STAFF BRIEFINGS work. DISCUSSION ITEMS weather. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Advisory Commission. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 6. Discussion and creation of rules and procedures for public communication at the Animal 7. Update from the Spay/Neuter Working Group regarding the Spay/Neuter Program Policy. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Stephanie Hall, Office of the City Clerk, 512-974-2210 or at Stephanie.Hall@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Animal Advisory Commission, please contact Stephanie Hall at 512-974-2210 or Stephanie.Hall@austintexas.gov
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, November 14, 2022, at 301 W. Second Street, Rm 1101 in Austin, Texas. Chair Nazor called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Chair Nazor, Vice Chair Clinton, Commissioners Bruce, Herrera, Nilson, Norton, and Smagula attended in person. Commissioners Dulzaides, Jarl, Nemer, and Neuhaus joined via videoconference. Commissioners Hassen and Mitchell were absent. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Eileen McFall – no kill shelter Pat Valls-Trelles – wildlife animal protection Rochelle Vickery – vouchers for spay/neuter Ellen Jefferson – no kill resolution APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on October 10, 2022. The minutes from the meeting of October 10, 2022, were approved on Commissioner Nemer’s motion, Commissioner Norton’s second on a vote 9-0. Vice Chair Clinton and Commissioner Jarl abstained. Commissioners Hassen and Mitchell were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS Austin Animal Center and Animal Services Monthly Report. Reports were provided in back up documents. Presentation the Monthly Report by Austin Pets Alive! Presentation by Neil Hay, Senior Director of Operations, Stephanie Bilbro, Director of Lifesaving Operations. 1. 2. 3. 1 4. 5. 6. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a Recommendation to Council concerning the City of Austin's upcoming Five Year Strategic Plan. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council for the City of Austin include information about our many programs for Austin citizens and their companion animals, as well as all of Austin’s valuable and iconic wildlife, in the upcoming Strategic Development 28 Plan was approved, as amended below, on Commissioner Norton’s motion, Commission Herrera’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bruce, Herrera and Nilson abstained. Commissioners Hassen and Mitchell were absent. An amendment to replace “best no kill shelter in the world” to “the most Pet Friendly City in America” was offered on Commissioner Herrera’s motion, Commissioner Bruce’s second. Commissioner Dulzaides offered a friendly amendment to replace “in the world/America” with “in the nation” and was accepted without objection. The amendment to replace “best no kill shelter in the world” to “the most Pet Friendly City in the nation” failed on Commissioner Herrera’s motion, Commissioner Bruce’s second on a 4-7 vote. Those voting aye were Commissioners Bruce, Herrera, Nilson and Norton. Those voting nay were Chair Nazor, Vice Chair Clinton, Commissioners Dulzaides, Jarl, Nemer, Neuhaus and Smagula. …
November 2022 November 2022 Animal Services Report AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT Animal Services News • The live outcome rate for November was 98.49 percent. • A total of 841 animals were brought to the shelter which included 443 dogs, 315 cats, 47 domestic birds, 18 wild animals, 10 rabbits, five guinea pigs, and one tortoise. • A total of 494 animals were adopted (252 cats, 225 dogs, 12 birds, and five small pets). • A total of 76 dogs, cats, and tortoise were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 49 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 32 fencing assistance applications and implanted two microchips. • Officers took custody of 99 injured animals and delivered 32 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. • Officers entered 157 rabies exposure reports and submitted 21 specimens for rabies testing. One bat tested positive for rabies, one was non-negative (not able to test). • 72 total coyote related activities • Out of 72 coyote related activities, 46 fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and • Encounters: Pets were a factor in 100% of activities: o An encounter involved a coyote approaching off leash pet with resident nearby o An encounter involved a coyote entering a backyard with pets present o An encounter involved a coyote not responding to assertive hazing with chasing an outside cat Incidents: Pets were factor in 66% of these encounters. • o An incident involved a coyote taking a neighbor’s outside off leash cat o An incident involved a coyote lunging at a caller. Unable to make contact with caller Animal Protection o 40 sightings o 16 wild sicks o 9 wild injured o 3 encounters o 3 incidents o 1 wild speak observation). November 2022 Animal Services Report o An incident involved a coyote taking an animal. Unable to make contact with caller • Out of 72 related activities, 26 fell within the reported behavior types (wild sick, wild speak, and wild injured) Volunteer, Foster, and Rescue Programs • A total of 363 volunteers donated 4,990 hours of volunteer service. • The Volunteer Coordinators held six orientations for new volunteers, introducing 166 people to the shelter programs. 104 new volunteers attended their first training or mentor shifts in September. • 117 individuals donated 234 hours towards dog walking and cat care through group volunteer service. …
Animal Services Office Statistical Report – November 2020-2022 November 2022 Intake November 2021 Intakes November 2020 Intakes November 2022 Adoptions November 2021 Adoptions November 2020 Adoptions November 2022 RTOs November 2021 RTOs November 2020 RTOs November 2022 Animals Euthanized November 2021 Animals Euthanized November 2020 Animals Euthanized November 2022 Total Live Release Rate November 2021 Total Live Release Rate November 2020 Total Live Release Rate November 2022 Animal Vaccinations November 2021 Animal Vaccinations November 2020 Animal Vaccinations November 2022 Spayed/Neutered at AAC November 2021 Spayed/Neutered at AAC November 2020 Spayed/Neutered at AAC November 2022 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster November 2021 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster November 2020 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster November 2022 Animals Transferred: November 2021 Animals Transferred November 2020 Animals Transferred November 2022 Animal Lost, Stolen or Missing November 2021 Animals Lost, Stolen or Missing November 2020 Animals Lost, Stolen or Missing November 2022 SNR Program November 2021 SNR Program November 2020 SNR Program November 2022 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO November 2021 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO November 2020 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO
Austin Animal Protection Wildlife Officers Emery Sadkin & Greg Richens Guiding Philosophy The City of Austin does not remove or relocate healthy native wildlife. Guiding Philosophy Instead, we work with residents to humanely resolve conflict with wildlife using effective, evidence-based methods. Wildlife Ordinances – City of Austin § 3-2-4 - HUNTING AND TRAPPING WILD ANIMALS Except as provided in Subsection (B), a person may not knowingly shoot, kill, or hunt a wild animal; or use a steel-jawed spring trap or any other type of trap that could injure a trapped animal or person. § 9-6-7 - FIREARM DISCHARGE RESTRICTED Except as provided in Subsection (B), a person may not discharge a firearm in city limits. § 10-8-3 - FEEDING OF DEER PROHIBITED Except as provided in subsection (C), a person commits an offense if the person intentionally feeds deer or makes food available for consumption by deer on private or public property within the territorial limits of the city. Wildlife Officer Roles Investigate potential rabies exposures Identify non-native species for rehoming at the shelter • • • Assist sick and injured wildlife • Austin Wildlife Rescue • Assess wildlife behavior • Work with residents to address the root cause of conflict Suggest methods for humane exclusion (denning) • • Encourage the animal to move on its own • Offer tailored solutions • Utilize game cameras, site visits, yard audits, identification • Provide presentations, education, and outreach Travis County temporary contract for Wildlife Officer started January 2018 and became permanent in 2019. Wildlife Officer Stats 2022 • Average response time was .5 hours • Officers provided over 354 hours of outreach • Officers fielded 489 coyote calls in City of Austin from Jan – Nov 2022 • Officers fielded 624 wildlife calls in Travis County from Oct 2021- Sept 2022 • Of the 624 calls, 504 were escalated calls Emphasis on Education In-field Outreach ○ Hotline (311) ○ Email ○ Yard audits ○ Site visits ○ Neighborhood canvassing ○ Presentations ○ Events ○ Newsletters ○ Mailers ○ Community partnerships Educational Topics ● Animal behavior and ecology ● Hazing ● Identifying attractants ● Pet safety ● Wildlife exclusion / denning ● Spring / young wildlife ● Child safety ● Rabies prevention ● Coexistence City of Austin Coyote Policy • In November 2014, City Council approved a Coyote Management Policy • The goal is to help maintain a balance of public safety concerns …
Belinda Hare for Animal Advisory Commission 2023 Proposed Meeting Schedule Animal Advisory Commission Proposed Meeting Schedule, 2023 The City of Austin’s Animal Advisory Commission meets on the second Monday of every month, 6 p.m.: • Monday, January 9 • Monday, February 13 • Monday, March 13 • Monday, April 10 • Monday, May 8 • Monday, June 12 • Monday, July 10 • Monday, August 14 • Monday, September 11 • Monday, November 13 • Monday, December 11 • Monday, October 9 (Indigenous peoples’ day)
Animal Advisory Commission November 14, 2022, Meeting City’s Use of Cooling Centers In response to Commissioner Smagula’s questions about the City of Austin’s use of cooling centers during extreme heat events, Bill Wilson, Emergency Management Manager, City of Austin’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), and Mark Sloat, Animal Services Office (ASO), shared the following: Bill Wilson, City of Austin’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM): Only service animals are permitted in cooling centers per City ordinance No. 20190307-014 relating to recreation centers and Council approved Library Use Rules. It is the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) and Austin Public Library (APL) that pets, which include all small animals, continue to not be permitted in those respective facilities to mitigate safety and sanitation risks. Regularly scheduled activities continue during cooling center activations putting all guests at risk when pets are present in a facility not designed for accommodating a variety of small animals. HSEM coordinates with the Austin Animal Center (AAC) during emergencies and can mobilize cooling trucks for pets as needed and if trucks and staff are available. Advertising the resource is not advisable because AAC is burdened by overcrowding, which means fulfilling requests for additional services further strains their already tight resources. Cooling center staff are aware of the resource and can request the service when they observe the need. Fortunately, AAC has been able to accommodate on the few occasions a cooling truck has been requested for on-site service. AAC also regularly performs outreach by checking on pets and providing direct assistance to pets and their owners experiencing homelessness. I also noticed that you are asking about services during an emergency shelter, but the subject for the email relates to cooling centers. I wanted to take a moment to differentiate between the two. Emergency Shelters will operate on a 24-hour basis and provide food, sleep accommodations, and other services for those that need the use of the shelter. Cooling Centers are locations that people can go to during the heat of the day to cool down. While there are times that snacks and water are provided, they are not open overnight and therefore do not provide sleeping accommodations, other services, or 24-hour access. We do work to provide accommodations for pets during both sheltering and cooling center operations. Mark Sloat, Program Manager, Animal Services Office (ASO): “We had no issues during the summer with …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION NOVEMBER 14, 2022, 6 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, Room 1101 301 W. Second St. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Stephanie Hall, by Sunday noon, November 13, at 512-974-2210, or stephanie.hall@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS Craig Nazor, Chair Nancy Nemer Palmer Neuhaus Jo Anne Norton Luis Herrera Kristen Hassen, Parliamentarian Dr. Amanda Bruce AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ryan Clinton, Vice Chair Lisa Mitchell Katie Jarl Lotta Smagula Beatriz Dulzaides Dr. Paige Nilson The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on October 10, 2022. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Austin Animal Center and Animal Services Monthly Report. 3. Presentation of the Monthly Report by Austin Pets Alive! DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council concerning the City of Austin's upcoming Five- 5. Approve the creation of a working group regarding spay/neuter efforts within the Year Strategic Plan. community. 6. Approve the creation of a working group to evaluate and discuss the current state of reports and published literature related to the housing of dogs in Travis County animal shelters. 7. Approve Commission Annual Meeting Schedule for 2023. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Stephanie Hall, Office of the City Clerk, 512-974-2210 or at Stephanie.Hall@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Animal Advisory Commission, please contact Stephanie Hall at 512-974-2210 or Stephanie.Hall@austintexas.gov
AAC Meeting Minutes 2022-10-10 ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING DRAFT MINUTES October 10, 2022 The Animal Advisory Commission convened for a regular meeting on Monday, October 10, 2022, 6 p.m., in the Boards and Commissions Room 1101 at Austin City Hall. Commission Chair, Craig Nazor, called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m., conducted a roll call of members and confirmed a quorum of seven commissioners. Five Commissioners attended the meeting in person: Nazor, Norton, Dulzaides, Dr. Nilson and Dr Amanda Bruce. Two Commissioners attended via teleconferencing, Commissioners Nemer and Jarl. Six members were absent, including Commissioners Smagula, Clinton, Herrera, Mitchell, Neuhaus, and Hassen. Commission Members Absent: Commissioners Smagula, Clinton, Herrera, Mitchell, Neuhaus, and Hassen. Staff in Attendance: Don Bland, Jason Garza PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: GENERAL In-person: Amber Rowland Neil Hay APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Corrections to the draft minutes were noted. Commissioner Nemer moved to approve the minutes with corrections; Commissioner Jarl seconded the motion which passed unanimously with all participating Commissioners voting in favor, 7 to 0: Six members were absent, including Commissioners Smagula, Clinton, Herrera, Mitchell, Neuhaus, and Hassen. 1 AAC Meeting Minutes 2022-10-10 BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Austin Animal Center and Animal Services Reports 3. AAC Staffing and Services 4. Update on ASO Audit, Keith Salas, Assistant City Auditor 5. Presentation by Parliamentarian regarding Roberts Rules of Order 6. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding APA! Monthly Report DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Discussion and Possible Action Concerning the Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Colony Commissioner Dr. Nilson moved to approve the six recommendations presented by Dr. Merlin Tuttle, Bat Conservancy, to City Council. Commissioner Dulzaides seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 7-0, with the seven commissioners in attendance voting in favor, including Nazor, Norton, Dulzaides, Dr. Nilson, Dr Bruce, Nemer and Jarl. Six members were absent, including Commissioners Smagula, Clinton, Herrera, Mitchell, Neuhaus, and Hassen. 8. Discussion and Possible Action on Adopting Bird-Safe Building Ordinances Dr. Chris Sheppard, Director of the Glass Collisions Program at the American Bird Conservancy, presented on the importance of protecting birds and how to reduce bird collisions. Commissioner Norton moved to recommend the City Council adopt the American Bird Conservancy’s Model-Friendly Building Guidelines. Dr. Nilson seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 7-0, with the seven commissioners in attendance voting in favor, including Nazor, Norton, Dulzaides, Dr. Nilson, Dr Bruce, Nemer and Jarl. Six members were absent, including Commissioners Smagula, Clinton, Herrera, Mitchell, …
October 2022 October 2022 Animal Services Report AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT Animal Services News • The live outcome rate for October was 97.86 percent. • A total of 853 animals were brought to the shelter which included 490 dogs, 327 cats, 24 wild animals, six guinea pigs, five rabbits, and one tortoise. • A total of 453 animals were adopted (234 cats, 209 dogs, and 8 small pets). • A total of 93 dogs, cats, tortoise, and snake were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 63 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 35 fencing assistance applications and implanted eight microchips. • Officers impounded 143 injured animals and delivered 165 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. • Officers entered 202 rabies exposure reports and submitted 28 specimens for rabies testing. Eight bats tested positive for rabies, five were non-negative (not able to test). • 36 total coyote related activities • Out of 36 coyote related activities, 23 fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and • Encounters: Pets were a factor in 100% of activities: o 1 encounter involved a coyote running at caller and small pet twice, entering the fenced backyard one Incidents: Pets were factor in 100% of these encounters. • o 1 incident involved a coyote “trying to catch the neighbor’s dog”. Unable to make contact. Animal Protection o 21 sightings o 5 wild speaks o 4 wild sicks o 4 wild injured o 1 incident o 1 encounter observation). time October 2022 Animal Services Report • Out of 36 related activities, 14 fell within the reported behavior types (wild sick, wild speak, and wild injured) Volunteer, Foster, and Rescue Programs • A total of 323 volunteers donated 4,747 hours of volunteer service. • The Volunteer Coordinators held seven orientations for new volunteers, introducing 226 people to the shelter programs. 121 new volunteers attended their first training or mentor shifts in September. • 148 individuals donated 296 hours towards dog walking and cat care through group volunteer service. • 13 Community Service Restitution individuals performed 116 hours of laundry, dishes, and other duties as assigned. • 111 animals were adopted directly from foster care. • More than 200 different people/families fostered. • 78 new foster applications were processed. (This number does not necessarily include walk-in / in person applications that were processed.) • There …
Animal Services Office Statistical Report – October 2020-2022 October 2022 Intake October 2021 Intakes October 2020 Intakes October 2022 Adoptions October 2021 Adoptions October 2020 Adoptions October 2022 RTOs October 2021 RTOs October 2020 RTOs October 2022 Animals Euthanized October 2021 Animals Euthanized October 2020 Animals Euthanized October 2022 Total Live Release Rate October 2021 Total Live Release Rate October 2020 Total Live Release Rate October 2022 Animal Vaccinations October 2021 Animal Vaccinations October 2020 Animal Vaccinations October 2022 Spayed/Neutered at AAC October 2021 Spayed/Neutered at AAC October 2020 Spayed/Neutered at AAC October 2022 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster October 2021 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster October 2020 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster October 2022 Animals Transferred: October 2021 Animals Transferred October 2020 Animals Transferred October 2022 Animal Lost, Stolen or Missing October 2021 Animals Lost, Stolen or Missing October 2020 Animals Lost, Stolen or Missing October 2022 SNR Program October 2021 SNR Program October 2020 SNR Program October 2022 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO October 2021 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO October 2020 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO
Item 4 - Letter to Austin CM and CFO concerning SD28 Dear City Manager Spencer Cronk and Chief Financial Officer Ed Van Eenoo: We recommend that the City of Austin include information about our many programs for Austin citizens and their companion animals, as well as all of Austin’s valuable and iconic wildlife, in the upcoming Strategic Development 28 Plan (SD28). The Animal Advisory Commission, as well as Austin Animal Center leadership and staff, were disappointed when no mention was made of Austin’s many programs for helping Austin’s animals in the last Strategic Development Plan. There is a tremendous amount of hard work done every day of the year for the animals of Austin by Shelter Staff, supported by the hard work of many Austin citizens who volunteer their time and donate their money to help make the lives of Austin’s companion and wild animals better. This extends out to our many Austin governmental organizations, such as APD, and all of our partner non-profits, all of whom contribute to our goal of the best No-Kill Shelter in the world. It is an unfortunate omission that such hard work on such an important City function is lacking from a Strategic Plan for our City. Animals are family to many Austin residents, and to others, Austin’s wildlife is simply a part of home. Let us be more inclusive in the upcoming Austin Strategic Plan! Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Date: November 14, 2022 Recommendation: ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20221114-004 Subject: Letter to Austin City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Concerning SD28 Motioned By: Commissioner Norton Seconded By: Commissioner Herrera Dear City Manager Spencer Cronk and Chief Financial Officer Ed Van Eenoo: We recommend that the City of Austin include information about our many programs for The Animal Advisory Commission, as well as Austin Animal Center leadership and staff, were Austin citizens and their companion animals, as well as all of Austin’s valuable and iconic wildlife, in the upcoming Strategic Development 28 Plan (SD28). disappointed when no mention was made of Austin’s many programs for helping Austin’s animals in the last Strategic Development Plan. There is a tremendous amount of hard work done every day of the year for the animals of Austin by Shelter Staff, supported by the hard work of many Austin citizens who volunteer their time and donate their money to help make the lives of Austin’s companion and wild animals better. This extends out to our many Austin governmental organizations, such as APD, and all of our partner non-profits, all of whom contribute to our goal of the best No-Kill Shelter in the nation. It is an unfortunate omission that such hard work on such an important City function is lacking from a Strategic Plan for our City. Animals are family to many Austin residents, and to others, Austin’s wildlife is simply a part of home. Let us be more inclusive in the upcoming Austin Strategic Plan! Thank you for your attention to this matter. Description of Recommendation to Council: That the City of Austin include information about Austin Animal center’s many programs for Austin citizens, their companion animals, and Austin wildlife in the upcoming Strategic Development 28 Plan (SD28). That the Strategic Development 28 Plan (SD28) be as inclusive as possible. Rationale: Vote: For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 3 Absent: 2 1 of 2 Attest: 2 of 2
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, November 14, 2022, at 301 W. Second Street, Rm 1101 in Austin, Texas. Chair Nazor called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Chair Nazor, Vice Chair Clinton, Commissioners Bruce, Herrera, Nilson, Norton, and Smagula attended in person. Commissioners Dulzaides, Jarl, Nemer, and Neuhaus joined via videoconference. Commissioners Hassen and Mitchell were absent. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Eileen McFall – no kill shelter Pat Valls-Trelles – wildlife animal protection Rochelle Vickery – vouchers for spay/neuter Ellen Jefferson – no kill resolution APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on October 10, 2022. The minutes from the meeting of October 10, 2022, were approved on Commissioner Nemer’s motion, Commissioner Norton’s second on a vote 9-0. Vice Chair Clinton and Commissioner Jarl abstained. Commissioners Hassen and Mitchell were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS Austin Animal Center and Animal Services Monthly Report. Reports were provided in back up documents. Presentation the Monthly Report by Austin Pets Alive! Presentation by Neil Hay, Senior Director of Operations, Stephanie Bilbro, Director of Lifesaving Operations. 1. 2. 3. 1 4. 5. 6. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a Recommendation to Council concerning the City of Austin's upcoming Five Year Strategic Plan. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council for the City of Austin include information about our many programs for Austin citizens and their companion animals, as well as all of Austin’s valuable and iconic wildlife, in the upcoming Strategic Development 28 Plan was approved, as amended below, on Commissioner Norton’s motion, Commission Herrera’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bruce, Herrera and Nilson abstained. Commissioners Hassen and Mitchell were absent. An amendment to replace “best no kill shelter in the world” to “the most Pet Friendly City in America” was offered on Commissioner Herrera’s motion, Commissioner Bruce’s second. Commissioner Dulzaides offered a friendly amendment to replace “in the world/America” with “in the nation” and was accepted without objection. The amendment to replace “best no kill shelter in the world” to “the most Pet Friendly City in the nation” failed on Commissioner Herrera’s motion, Commissioner Bruce’s second on a 4-7 vote. Those voting aye were Commissioners Bruce, Herrera, Nilson and Norton. Those voting nay were Chair Nazor, Vice Chair Clinton, Commissioners Dulzaides, Jarl, Nemer, Neuhaus and Smagula. …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION OCTOBER 10, 2022, 6 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, Room 1101 301 W. Second St. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Belinda Hare, by Sunday noon, October 9, at phone 512-978-0565, or email Belinda.hare@austintexas.gov. Please know emails work best. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS Craig Nazor, Chair Nancy Nemer Palmer Neuhaus Jo Anne Norton Luis Herrera Kristen Hassen, Parliamentarian Dr. Amanda Bruce CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Ryan Clinton, Vice Chair Lisa Mitchell Katie Jarl Lotta Smagula Beatriz Dulzaides Dr. Paige Nilson The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Speakers for specific agenda items may sign up prior to the meeting or in person at the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on September 12, 2022. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Presentation by Don Bland and/or Jason Garza regarding Austin Animal Center and Animal Services Reports 3. Presentation by Don Bland regarding AAC Staffing and Services 4. Update on Animal Services Audit, by Keith Salas, Assistant City Auditor DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Presentation by Parliamentarian regarding Roberts Rules of Order 6. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding Monthly Report DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Discussion and Possible Action Concerning the Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Colony, presentation by Dr. Merlin Tuttle, Bat Conservancy 8. Discussion and Possible Action on Adopting Bird-Safe Building Ordinances, presentation by Dr. Chris Sheppard, the Director of the Glass Collisions Program at the American Bird Conservancy 9. Discussion and Possible Action on AAC Monthly Reporting of Data 10. Discussion and Possible Action on Transferring Austin Animal Center Animals to Other 11. Discussion and Possible Action on Inclusion of Animal Services in the City of Austin Communities next Five-Year Strategic Plan 12. Discussion and Possible Action on City’s Use of Cooling Centers 13. Discussion and Possible …
ORCHARDSTWALSH STW CESAR CHAVEZ STCESARCHAVEZWBTORESERVRAMPW 4TH STRESERVERDCopyright nearmap 201503 October 2022 mabrycThis product is for informational purposesand may not have been prepared for orbe suitable for legal, engineering, orsurveying purposes. It does not representan on-the-ground survey and represents onlythe approximate relative location of propertyboundaries. This product has been producedby the Parks and Recreation Departmentfor the sole purpose of geographic reference.No warranty is made by the City of Austinregarding specific accuracy or completeness.u54LLOTu031LLOT¨063POOL¨1POOLa381a092¨17SAXET!"#53u092LLOTAustin Pets Alive! at Volma Overton Sr Beach01020Feet:Austin Pets Alive!100 Year FloodplainPark Boundary
Real Birds! We’re focused on overcoming the biggest problems facing birds today. Birds Have Intrinsic and Cultural Value We’re focused on overcoming the biggest problems facing birds today. Birds Contribute Hundreds of Billions in Eco-services Habitat Restoration Pest Control Bird Watching: 40+ Billion Dollar Economic Engine Collisions are not rare We’re focused on overcoming the biggest problems facing birds today. Annual Mortality: North America We’re focused on overcoming the biggest problems facing birds today. Mortality estimate Date of reference Collisions with Buildings/glass 2014 1 billion Cats 2013 2—4 billion Most Collisions are on Homes and Low-rise Buildings, not Highrises We’re focused on overcoming the biggest problems facing birds today. The Bird Activity Zone Mostly Songbirds: migrating at night, colliding by day – WHY? We’re focused on overcoming the biggest problems facing birds today. Look Where You’re Going? What Causes Collisions? Glass or No Glass? We’re focused on overcoming the biggest problems facing birds today. Birds Take What They See Literally Birds Can’t Learn the Concept ‘Glass’ Open Sky vs Cluttered Environment How to Stop Collisions: Get Birds to Swerve By Using Bird-friendly Glass 2 or 3 D signals Proper Spacing -- 2” Visible from 10’ What’s Bird-friendly Glass? Evaluation Method #1: Tunnel Test – ‘active’ signals – Threat Factors Action! Fritted Glass, Surface Coverage 6%, TF= 17 Intuit HQ, Mountain View CA Google’s New Home at Block 185 is Downtown Austin’s Next Signature Tower James Rambin March 26, 2019 Comment Image: Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects / STG Design / Trammell Crow Company Block 185 is an all-star tower. This 35-floor office building by national developer Trammell Crow Company, UV Glass TF= 23 Vassar Bridge Science Building, Poughkeepsie Evaluation Method #2: Compliance with Prescriptive Standard ▪ Simple example: surface 1 etch, maximum gloss level =18 ▪ More complex: Flow Chart Insect Screen (not flush with glass) TF=1 Evaluation Method # 3:Spandrel Glass: visual scale Evaluation Method #4: Computer Models How to Design a Bird-friendly Building Strategies: Incorporate from the beginning ➢ Reduce exposure of glass ➢ Incorporate signals in/on glass ➢ Minimize use of glass Bird-friendly Design overlaps with: solar shading, glare control, distinctive design aesthetic, security, thermal control, energy efficiency and more Legislation, Ordinances and Guidelines We’re focused on overcoming the biggest problems facing birds today. IN PROGRESS Bird-safe Buildings Act, Federal State of California, CalGreen Berkeley Washington, DC DOEE Green Code State of Maryland Canada, standard code for provinces …
American Bird Conservancy Model Bird-Friendly Building Guidelines December 2020 These model, or ideal, guidelines are intended to be a starting point for cities, towns, villages, counties, states, and any other entity interested in regulating or guiding building construction to reduce bird collisions with glass. They describe a truly bird-friendly building. Summarized simply, these guidelines are based on a 100/100/100 framework: 100% of all glass and other building materials should be bird friendly in the first 100 feet of 100% of buildings. The guidelines also specifically include all hazardous features that can trap birds or push them in the direction of dangerous features. Any group that adopts this ordinance as written will be at the leading edge of creating a bird- friendly built environment. However, many groups considering such guidelines will be interested in softening the language to exempt certain types of buildings or to reduce the amount of bird-friendly glass required. In anticipation of this, American Bird Conservancy (ABC) has created a discussion of the issues to be considered when revising the model guidelines. (See ABC’s Legislation, Ordinances, and Guidelines) These guidelines will be most commonly adopted as an ordinance to modify municipal building codes. As a result, the guidelines below are written in the form of a model ordinance. However, the text can be easily adapted to fit other building guidance formats. ABC will revise these guidelines as new science, materials, techniques, and technologies become available, so please make sure that you have the most current version before you begin the process of creating your own guidelines. (See ABC’s Legislation, Ordinances, and Guidelines) PROPOSAL NUMBER: SPONSOR(S): PROPOSAL NAME: Bird-Friendly Building Design Requirements PURPOSE: This building ordinance has been created to address the role of the (MUNICIPALITY)’s built environment in the annual loss of up to 1 billion birds due to glass collisions in the United States. WHEREAS, birds provide valuable and important ecological services, WHEREAS, (MUNICIPALITY) has recorded (XXX) species of resident and migratory bird species, WHEREAS, birding is a hobby enjoyed by 46 million Americans with an annual $107 billion total industry output in the United States, WHEREAS, as many as 1 billion birds may be killed by collisions with windows every year in the United States, WHEREAS, new buildings can be designed to reduce bird deaths from collisions without significant additional cost, WHEREAS there exist strategies to mitigate collisions on existing buildings, WHEREAS witnessing a collision is …
Backup Materials: Animal Advisory Commission Meeting Agenda Item #8, October 10, 2022 Bird-safe Building Guidelines Proposed Animal Advisory Commission Recommendation: The Animal Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council adopts the American Bird Conservancy’s Model-Friendly Building Guidelines for the City of Austin. We further recommend that the Austin City Council writes a letter to the US Congress to recommend support for the Federal Bird Safe Buildings Act of 2021. Current Legislation: New York City: http://nyc.legistar1.com/nyc/attachments/7da57cbb-679b-45c9-bc5a-058e49c42c24.pdf Madison, Wisconsin: https://madison.legistar.com/ViewReport.http://nyc.legistar1.com/nyc/attachments/7da57cbb- 679b-45c9-bc5a- 058e49c42c24.pdf?M=R&N=Text&GID=205&ID=4026260&GUID=B7D2A103-B19F-4F20- 96F2-14A2E27FD393&Title=Legislation+Text Chicago, Illinois: https://chicago.councilmatic.org/legislation/o2020-136/ Pending Federal Legislation for public buildings: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1986/text?r=3&s=1
Agenda Item 11: ASO and City of Austin Strategic Development Plan Animal Advisory Commission October 10, 2022 Letter to Austin CM and CFO concerning SD28 Dear City Manager Spencer Cronk and Chief Financial Officer Ed Van Eenoo: We recommend that the City of Austin include information about the Austin Animal Center and our many programs for Austin citizens in the upcoming Strategic Development 28 Plan (SD28). The Animal Advisory Commission, as well as Austin Animal Center leadership and staff, were disappointed when no mention was made of Austin’s Animal Center and our many valuable programs for helping Austin’s animals in the last Strategic Development Plan. There is a tremendous amount of hard work done every day of the year for the animals of Austin by Shelter Staff, supported by the hard work of many Austin citizens who volunteer their time and donate their money to help make the lives of Austin’s companion animals better. This extends out to our many Austin Partner Organizations, all of which contribute to our goal of the best No-Kill Shelter in the world. It is an unfortunate omission that such hard work on such an important City function is lacking from a Strategic Plan for our City. Animals are family to many Austin residents - let us be more inclusive in the upcoming Austin Strategic Plan! Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Dr. Craig Nazor Chair, Animal Advisory Commission
September 2022 September 2022 Animal Services Report AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT • Austin Animal Center restricted intake to emergencies effective September 13. • Austin Animal Center reopened for adoption and reclaim on Sundays beginning September 25. • The live outcome rate for September was 97.68 percent. • A total of 747 animals were brought to the shelter which included 398 dogs, 309 cats, 25 wild animals, four guinea pigs, three rabbits, three domestic birds, one snake, and one tortoise. • A total of 698 animals were adopted (356 dogs, 323 cats, and 19 small pets). • A total of 93 dogs, cats, and tortoise were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 49 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 26 fencing assistance applications and implanted zero microchips. • Officers impounded 172 injured animals and delivered 158 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. • Officers entered 212 rabies exposure reports and submitted 29 specimens for rabies testing. Four bats tested Animal Services News Animal Protection positive for rabies. • 31 total coyote related activities o 12 sightings o 5 incidents o 3 wild speaks o 3 wild sicks o 3 wild injured o 3 observations o 2 encounters • Out of 31 coyote related activities, 19 fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, and incident) • Encounters: Pets were a factor in 100% of activities: o 1 encounter involved a coyote entering a fenced backyard to chase two outside cats Incidents: Pets were factor in 100% of these encounters. • September 2022 Animal Services Report o 1 incident involved a coyote family of 4 entering a backyard. One growled at a resident o 1 incident involved a coyote taking an off-leash dog with owner nearby o 1 incident involved a coyote chasing an off leash outside cat with owner next to the cat o 1 incident involved a coyote taking an outside cat. Unknown if it was owned. • Out of 31 related activities, 9 fell within the reported behavior types (wild sick, wild speak, and wild injured) Volunteer, Foster, and Rescue Programs • A total of 316 volunteers donated 4,519 hours of volunteer service. • The Volunteer Coordinators held five orientations for new volunteers, introducing 126 people to the shelter programs. 109 new volunteers attended their first training or mentor shifts in September. • 68 individuals donated 136 …
We recommend that the dysfunctional string of lights on the western side of the Congress Agenda Item 7 Backup: Congress Avenue Bat Colony Animal Advisory Commission October 10, 2022 The Animal Advisory Commission makes the following recommendations concerning the Mexican Free-tail bat colony under the Congress Ave. bridge: We recommend that the City of Austin posts a QR code prominently on the east side of 1. both ends of the Congress Ave. bridge, scannable by a smart phone, that links to a City website where detailed information about Austin’s bat colony can be provided. This website should contain information about bat viewing opportunities, safety around bats, and what to do about injured bats. We further recommend that for detailed biological and historical information about these Austin bats, including seasonal cycles that affect viewing opportunities, bat behavior, and the ecological significance of this colony, the City site should be linked to a site specifically designed and frequently updated for this detailed information by Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation (MTBC). 2. Ave. bridge be removed. This structure is a hazard to bats, particularly young bats, as they start their nightly flights for food. 3. placement of any publicly accessible bat-viewing areas being considered. We recommend that as soon as The Statesman PUD plans become finalized and the 4. positioning of any proposed bat-viewing areas or decks has been determined, the City judiciously trims some of the trees along Lady Bird Lake for better public bat-viewing. Trees do not need to be removed, but some of the lower branches could be trimmed for better sight lines, depending on the location of the bat-viewing areas. 5. bridge. These joints are above land. (The spaces have been cemented closed above the Hike and Bike trail.) Vegetation beneath the bats’ south-end roosting spaces should not be permitted to grow more than one meter tall. (Bats will abandon this area if vegetation is permitted to grow taller.) A more sophisticated planting could also be designed for this area, as tall vegetation beneath the bridge that interferes with the bats demands more maintenance. We believe this is a project best handled by a collaboration between the Watershed Protection Department and the Austin Trail Conservancy. 6. and into Lady Bird Lake. Currently, there is erosion damage to the Trail itself from this stormwater flow. There is a need for some kind of rainwater detention structure to be built on the …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20221010-007 Date: 10/11/22 Colony Subject: Recommended Action Concerning the Congress Avenue Bridge Mexican Free-tail Bat Motioned By: Dr. Paige Nilson Seconded By: Beatriz Dulzaides Recommendation: 1. We recommend that the City of Austin posts a QR code prominently on the east side of both ends of the Congress Ave. bridge (and possibly at other locations), scannable by a smart phone, that links to a City website where detailed information about Austin’s bat colony can be provided. 2. We recommend that the dysfunctional string of lights on the western side of the Congress Ave. bridge be removed. This structure is a hazard to bats, particularly young bats, as they start their nightly flights for food (this may have already been done). 3. We recommend that Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation specifically be consulted concerning the design and placement of any publicly accessible bat-viewing areas being considered. 4. We recommend that as soon as The Statesman PUD plans become finalized and the positioning of any proposed bat-viewing areas or decks has been determined, the City judiciously trims, as necessary, some of the trees along Lady Bird Lake for better public bat- viewing. 5. Vegetation beneath the bats’ roosting spaces at the extreme south end of the bridge should never be permitted to grow more than one meter tall. Bats will abandon this area if vegetation is permitted to grow much taller. 6. Currently, there is erosion damage to the Trail under the south end of the bridge from stormwater flow. There is a need for some kind of rainwater detention structure to be built on the uphill side of the Trail that overflows into culverts beneath the path and into the Lake to control this flooding and minimize erosion. Description of Recommendation to Council: 1. The linked website should contain information about bat viewing opportunities, safety around bats, and what to do about injured bats. We further recommend that for detailed biological and historical information about Austin bats, including seasonal cycles that affect viewing opportunities, bat behavior, and the ecological significance of this colony, the City site should be linked to a site specifically designed and frequently updated for this detailed information by Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation (MTBC), which has volunteered their services for this task. 2. This recommendation is self-explanatory. 3. This recommendation is self-explanatory. 4. Trees do not need to be removed in this trimming, but some …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20221010-008 Date: 10/11/22 Subject: Adopting Bird-Safe Building Ordinances Motioned By: Jo Anne Norton Seconded By: Dr. Paige Nilson Recommendation: The Animal Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council adopts the American Bird Conservancy’s (ABC’s) Model Bird-Friendly Building Guidelines for the City of Austin. (See: https://abcbirds.org/glass-collisions/model-ordinance/ This is included below.) We further recommend that the Austin City Council writes a letter to the US Congress to recommend support for the Federal Bird Safe Buildings Act of 2021. Description of Recommendation to Council: These model, or ideal, guidelines are intended to be a starting point for cities, towns, villages, counties, states, and any other entity interested in regulating or guiding building construction to reduce bird collisions with glass. They describe a truly bird-friendly building. Summarized simply, these guidelines are based on a 100/100/100 framework: 100% of all glass and other building materials should be bird friendly in the first 100 feet of 100% of buildings. The guidelines also specifically include all hazardous features that can trap birds or push them in the direction of dangerous features. Any group that adopts this ordinance as written will be at the leading edge of creating a bird- friendly built environment. However, many groups considering such guidelines will be interested in softening the language to exempt certain types of buildings or to reduce the amount of bird-friendly glass required. In anticipation of this, ABC has created a discussion of the issues to be considered when revising the model guidelines. (See https://abcbirds.org/glass-collisions/existing-ordinances/ ) These guidelines will be most commonly adopted as an ordinance to modify municipal building codes. As a result, the guidelines below are written in the form of a model ordinance. However, the text can be easily adapted to fit other building guidance formats. ABC will revise these guidelines as new science, materials, techniques, and technologies become available, so please make sure that you have the most current version before you begin the process of creating your own guidelines. (See https://abcbirds.org/glass-collisions/legislation/ ). 1 of 4 PROPOSAL NAME: Bird-Friendly Building Design Requirements PURPOSE: This building ordinance has been created to address the role of the (MUNICIPALITY)’s built environment in the annual loss of up to 1 billion birds due to glass collisions in the United States. WHEREAS, birds provide valuable and important ecological services, WHEREAS, (MUNICIPALITY) has recorded (XXX) species of resident and migratory bird species, WHEREAS, birding is a hobby …
AAC Meeting Minutes 2022-10-10 ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES October 10, 2022 The Animal Advisory Commission convened for a regular meeting on Monday, October 10, 2022, 6 p.m., in the Boards and Commissions Room 1101 at Austin City Hall. Commission Chair, Craig Nazor, called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m., conducted a roll call of members and confirmed a quorum of seven commissioners. Five Commissioners attended the meeting in person: Nazor, Norton, Dulzaides, Dr. Nilson and Dr Amanda Bruce. Two Commissioners attended via teleconferencing, Commissioners Nemer and Jarl. Six members were absent, including Commissioners Smagula, Clinton, Herrera, Mitchell, Neuhaus, and Hassen. Commission Members Absent: Commissioners Smagula, Clinton, Herrera, Mitchell, Neuhaus, and Hassen. Staff in Attendance: Don Bland, Jason Garza PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: GENERAL In-person: Amber Rowland Neil Hay APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Corrections to the draft minutes were noted. Commissioner Nemer moved to approve the minutes with corrections; Commissioner Jarl seconded the motion which passed unanimously with all participating Commissioners voting in favor, 7 to 0: Six members were absent, including Commissioners Smagula, Clinton, Herrera, Mitchell, Neuhaus, and Hassen. BRIEFINGS 2. Austin Animal Center and Animal Services Reports 3. AAC Staffing and Services 4. Update on ASO Audit, Keith Salas, Assistant City Auditor DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Presentation by Parliamentarian regarding Roberts Rules of Order 6. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding APA! Monthly Report DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Discussion and Possible Action Concerning the Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Colony 1 AAC Meeting Minutes 2022-10-10 Commissioner Dr. Nilson moved to approve the six recommendations presented by Dr. Merlin Tuttle, Bat Conservancy, to City Council. Commissioner Dulzaides seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 7-0, with the seven commissioners in attendance voting in favor, including Nazor, Norton, Dulzaides, Dr. Nilson, Dr Bruce, Nemer and Jarl. Six members were absent, including Commissioners Smagula, Clinton, Herrera, Mitchell, Neuhaus, and Hassen. 8. Discussion and Possible Action on Adopting Bird-Safe Building Ordinances Dr. Chris Sheppard, Director of the Glass Collisions Program at the American Bird Conservancy, presented on the importance of protecting birds and how to reduce bird collisions. Commissioner Norton moved to recommend the City Council adopt the American Bird Conservancy’s Model-Friendly Building Guidelines. Dr. Nilson seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 7-0, with the seven commissioners in attendance voting in favor, including Nazor, Norton, Dulzaides, Dr. Nilson, Dr Bruce, Nemer and Jarl. Six members were absent, including Commissioners Smagula, Clinton, Herrera, Mitchell, Neuhaus, …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 12, 2022, 6 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, Room 1101 301 W. Second St. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Jason Garza, by Sunday noon, September 11, at phone 512-978-0536, or email Jason.Garza@austintexas.gov Please know emails work best. Ryan Clinton, Vice Chair Lisa Mitchell Katie Jarl Lotta Smagula Beatriz Dulzaides Dr. Paige Nilson CURRENT COMMISSIONERS Craig Nazor, Chair Nancy Nemer Palmer Neuhaus Jo Anne Norton Luis Herrera Kristen Hassen, Parliamentarian District 10 Vacant CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Speakers for specific agenda items may sign up prior to the meeting or in person at the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 8, 2022. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Don Bland and/or Jason Garza regarding Austin Animal Center and Animal Services Reports 3. Presentation by Don Bland regarding AAC Staffing and Services 4. Presentation by AAC Staff regarding AAC Public Communications on Services 5. Presentation by Parliamentarian regarding Roberts Rules of Order 6. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding Monthly Report DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Discussion and Possible Action on the Establishment of Commission Rules for Questions, Comments, and Debate 8. Discussion and Possible Action on AAC Monthly Reporting of Data 9. Discussion and Possible Action on Transferring Austin Animal Center Animals to Other Communities 10. Discussion and Possible Action on the Austin Animal Center Space Crisis 11. Discussion and Possible Action on Inclusion of Animal Services in the City of Austin next Five-Year Strategic Plan 12. Discussion and Possible Action on City’s Use of Cooling Centers 13. Discussion and Possible Action on City Building Code Changes for Birds FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to …
August 2022 August 2022 Animal Services Report AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT Animal Services News Animal Protection • Austin Animal Center will reopen for adoption and reclaim on Sundays beginning September 25. • The live outcome rate for August was 97.63 percent. • A total of 1,167 animals were brought to the shelter which included 619 dogs, 487 cats, 25 wild animals, 17 rabbits, 10 guinea pigs, three domestic birds, two ferrets, two hamsters, and one turtle. • A total of 805 animals were adopted (414 cats, 379 dogs, and 11 small pets). • A total of 94 dogs, cats, and birds were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 44 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 37 fencing assistance applications and implanted 6 microchips. • Officers impounded 136 injured animals and delivered 71 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. • Officers entered 212 rabies exposure reports and submitted 27 specimens for rabies testing. Seven bats tested positive for rabies and an additional two were considered non-negative due to being too decomposed to test. • 17 total coyote related activities o 6 sightings o 6 wild sick o 2 wild injured o 2 observations o 1 encounter • Out of 17 coyote related activities, 9 fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, and incident) Incidents: Pets were factor in 100% of these encounters. • o 1 incident involved a coyote taking an off leash outside cat from the unfenced front yard • Out of 17 related activities, 8 fell within the reported behavior types (wild sick, wild speak, and wild injured) Volunteer, Foster, and Rescue Programs • A total of 341 volunteers donated 5,002 hours of volunteer service. August 2022 Animal Services Report • A record 94 volunteers participated in our Clear the Shelter event on August 27th, cleaning kennels, guiding visitor interactions, making pet ID tags, and much more. • The Volunteer Coordinators held four orientations for new volunteers, introducing 88 people to the shelter programs. 112 new volunteers attended their first training or mentor shifts in August. • Six groups of 56 volunteers donated 112 hours towards dog walking and cat care. • 14 Community Service Restitution individuals performed 220 hours of laundry, dishes, and other duties as assigned. • 197 animals were adopted directly from foster care. • More than 270 different people/families fostered. • 238 …
Animal Services Office Statistical Report – August 2020-2022 August 2022 Intake August 2021 Intakes August 2020 Intakes August 2022 Adoptions August 2021 Adoptions August 2020 Adoptions August 2022 RTOs August 2021 RTOs August 2020 RTOs August 2022 Animals Euthanized August 2021 Animals Euthanized August 2020 Animals Euthanized August 2022 Total Live Release Rate August 2021 Total Live Release Rate August 2020 Total Live Release Rate August 2022 Animal Vaccinations August 2021 Animal Vaccinations August 2020 Animal Vaccinations August 2022 Spayed/Neutered at AAC August 2021 Spayed/Neutered at AAC August 2020 Spayed/Neutered at AAC August 2022 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster August 2021 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster August 2020 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster August 2022 Animals Transferred: August 2021 Animals Transferred August 2020 Animals Transferred August 2022 SNR Program August 2021 SNR Program August 2020 SNR Program August 2022 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO August 2021 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO August 2020 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO
American Bird Conservancy Model Bird-Friendly Building Guidelines December 2020 These model, or ideal, guidelines are intended to be a starting point for cities, towns, villages, counties, states, and any other entity interested in regulating or guiding building construction to reduce bird collisions with glass. They describe a truly bird-friendly building. Summarized simply, these guidelines are based on a 100/100/100 framework: 100% of all glass and other building materials should be bird friendly in the first 100 feet of 100% of buildings. The guidelines also specifically include all hazardous features that can trap birds or push them in the direction of dangerous features. Any group that adopts this ordinance as written will be at the leading edge of creating a bird- friendly built environment. However, many groups considering such guidelines will be interested in softening the language to exempt certain types of buildings or to reduce the amount of bird-friendly glass required. In anticipation of this, American Bird Conservancy (ABC) has created a discussion of the issues to be considered when revising the model guidelines. (See ABC’s Legislation, Ordinances, and Guidelines) These guidelines will be most commonly adopted as an ordinance to modify municipal building codes. As a result, the guidelines below are written in the form of a model ordinance. However, the text can be easily adapted to fit other building guidance formats. ABC will revise these guidelines as new science, materials, techniques, and technologies become available, so please make sure that you have the most current version before you begin the process of creating your own guidelines. (See ABC’s Legislation, Ordinances, and Guidelines) PROPOSAL NUMBER: SPONSOR(S): PROPOSAL NAME: Bird-Friendly Building Design Requirements PURPOSE: This building ordinance has been created to address the role of the (MUNICIPALITY)’s built environment in the annual loss of up to 1 billion birds due to glass collisions in the United States. WHEREAS, birds provide valuable and important ecological services, WHEREAS, (MUNICIPALITY) has recorded (XXX) species of resident and migratory bird species, WHEREAS, birding is a hobby enjoyed by 46 million Americans with an annual $107 billion total industry output in the United States, WHEREAS, as many as 1 billion birds may be killed by collisions with windows every year in the United States, WHEREAS, new buildings can be designed to reduce bird deaths from collisions without significant additional cost, WHEREAS there exist strategies to mitigate collisions on existing buildings, WHEREAS witnessing a collision is …
