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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />JANUARY 8, 1992 <br />potential for cost savings. The City Administrator <br />reported that there were no alternatives when the City <br />first contracted with Animal Control Management for <br />animal control services, even though the City pays a <br />fairly good amount for this service. However, within <br />the last few months, the Ramsey County Humane Society <br />has indicated the potential of their providing this <br />service. The Administrator reported that he has <br />obtained a quote from the Humane Society, and while <br />there does not appear to be any significant cost <br />savings to the City, it is staff's position that the <br />service the Humane Society would offer is superior to <br />what the City is now receiving for approximately the <br />same dollars. There is a difference, however, in <br />emergency pick-up service. The Humane Society does not <br />have staff on duty during non-working hours. However, <br />the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department has indicated a <br />willingness to step in during this time period. Staff <br />has investigated the number of calls after business <br />hours, and historically there have been few. Another <br />difference is the charge to owners for picking up their <br />pets would be increased. <br />The City Administrator reported that the Humane Society <br />has submitted a contract document to the City for <br />review. It was noted that the contract did not address <br />insurance coverage, however, the Humane Society has now <br />submitted the appropriate wording to address this <br />issue. <br />LaValle questioned the Sheriff's Department providing <br />for after-hours animal control. <br />The City Administrator again reported that animal <br />control services after-hours has not been heavily used <br />in the past. The Sheriff has indicated that they would <br />transport animals to an emergency vet service if there <br />is a need after-hours. The Administrator agreed that <br />this was the potentially biggest weakness in the <br />proposal, but based on past usaqe did not believe it <br />would be a problem. The Administrator also pointed out <br />that the Humane Society does not currently provide this <br />service to cities, and Little Canada would be the <br />first. It is an area that they would like to expand <br />into, however. The Administrator reported that the <br />quotations from Animal Control Management and the <br />Humane Society are surprisingly close. The <br />Administrator felt that the improved service the Humane <br />Society would provide would justify the risk. <br />LaValle asked if a squad would be expected to handle an <br />animal control complaint after 5 P.M. during the week <br />or on Saturdays and Sundays. <br />Page 24 <br />