Addendum #2 - Animal Shelter Operations.pdf

1. Will the city make sure the complete environmental cleaning and decluttering takes
place before the transition date?
The City has been focusing on deep cleaning and decluttering the facility for several
weeks prior to the study being received. We intend to thoroughly clean and organize
the structure before handover of the facility.
2. Will the city address the inadequate plumbing / water pressure prior to the
transition date?
The low water pressure issue was due to staff running multiple kennel flushers at
the same time. Due to the sheer volume of water that these flushers use, they were
never designed to all be on at the same time. The building maintains 58 PSI of water
pressure under normal operating conditions and 51 PSI of water pressure if the
flushers are operated individually. Staff have been informed of the proper operating
sequence of these flushers.
3. Can you provide the July 2018 study referenced in the report?
Yes-See attachment
4. Is there currently a city-managed donation fund holding donations/grants intended
for the animal shelter? If yes, what is the balance?
Yes-Animal Shelter Donation Fund currently has a balance of $63,998.99 as of 8-17-
2026.

C S , K
ITY OF ALINA ANSAS
A C S S
NIMAL ONTROL AND HELTER TUDY
JULY 2018
Prepared by:

Contents
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Chapter 1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Chapter 2...........................................................................................................................................................................9
Chapter 3 ........................................................................................................................................................... 26
Chapter 4 ........................................................................................................................................................... 29
Chapter 5 ........................................................................................................................................................... 55
Chapter 6 ........................................................................................................................................................... 71
Chapter 7 ........................................................................................................................................................... 73
Attachments ...................................................................................................................................................... 81
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Executive Summary
During the evaluation process, it was readily evident that Salina Animal Services
personnel are invested in providing the best service possible to the community. Without
exception, employees express a loyalty to the organization, their direct supervisor and
show a desire to learn best practices within their respective roles.
The path to providing best practice animal control services to the community begins with
clear and consistent communication from all levels of management. We, at the National
Care & Control Association, believe the lack of Policy and Procedure, Mission
Statement and ineffective working relationships can be overcome with time. The Animal
Services Division is wholly unaware of the purpose for a chain of command in a
municipal government setting and believes there is no organizational priority for Animal
Services. On the contrary, we found the city to be extremely thoughtful of Animal
Services and their contribution to the community.
The organization as a whole is an asset to the community. They strive to serve the
public, to resolve difficult animal issues and promote adoption. Public perception of the
organization is positive and supportive.
Although the evaluation process can be a critical process by nature, the resulting final
report should not be utilized as a means to criticize decisions of the past or as a
negative reflection upon current personnel. This report is simply a snapshot in time,
during the week of July 9-13, 2018, and the recommendations for implementing best
practice solutions to effect improvement. The issues observed and contained in this
report are not insurmountable. With proper direction and support from management,
coupled with acceptance of the same, the employees of Salina Animal Services will
surely thrive and grow to be a model agency within the animal control community and
profession.
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NACA STUDY TEAM
The Salina Animal Services Evaluation was conducted by Kimberly Cherney, Cindy
Walden and Lesa Murray; three animal control/humane professionals, who combined,
have more than 85 years of experience in the animal control and humane field. Each of
these consultants has extensive training, and hands-on experience, in the field of
animal care and control, in the management of animal shelter operations and animal
care and control field services programs.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The NACA Study Team would like to thank City Manager Jason Gage, Deputy City
Manager Mike Schrage, Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Cotten, Deputy Director
of Parks and Recreation Scott Garrie and the entire staff of Salina Animal Services for
their cooperation and kindness. Through their dedication and openness, we were able
to develop a clear picture of the Salina Animal Services Division.
While NACA has recommended changes for improving the structure and productivity of
the animal control function within the city of Salina, community leaders and officials
should recognize the dedication of Salina Animal Services employees, and the
importance the animal control program has for the citizens they serve and the animals.
It should be noted these recommendations are advisory in nature and are based upon
the observations and fact-finding of the NACA Study Team. The final determination
regarding the implementation for any of these recommendations should be left to the
animal control staff and governing authorities, with consideration given to local needs
and budgetary constraints.
SCOPE OF STUDY
The purpose of this study is to provide an outside and objective review of the Field
Operations, Shelter Operations, Administration, and the Facility for the Salina Animal
Services Division. To achieve this goal, the National Animal Care & Control Association
completed the following study requirements:
* An examination of the department structure, organizational hierarchy, and
command structure to identify stakeholder perspectives on the strengths and
weaknesses of the current structure, and its effectiveness and impact upon
morale.
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* An evaluation of the current deployment of resources; the budget, equipment,
facilities and staffing, to identify possible improvements to productivity and
efficiency.
* A review of scheduling and coverage requirements for the agency.
* An examination of training for both employees and their supervisors.
* An examination of the community relations programs to include foster, adoption
and volunteer programs.
* An analysis of current levels of office automation, communication and support
systems.
* An examination of shelter operations including facility construction, operations,
record keeping and accountability, policies and procedures, the adoption
program and the effectiveness on live release rates.
NACA completed this report within ten weeks of completing the on-site field work.
This needs assessment was managed in eight distinct phases:
* Data Collection
* Interviews and Surveys
* On-Site Observation
* Oral Briefings
* Analysis of Data
* Comparative Analysis
* Alternatives and Recommendations
* Comprehensive Written Report
To achieve a comprehensive outcome, the NACA Study Team utilized numerous
surveys and internal worksheets based upon standards established by nationally
recognized humane and animal care and control organizations. NACA routinely
incorporates 'best practice' and 'current industry trends' as gathered from previous
NACA program evaluations and statistical data gathered from other agencies across the
United States.
EMPLOYEE INTERVIEWS AND OBSERVATION
During the week of July 9-13, 2018, the Study Team held a series of on-site meetings
and discussions with representatives of the organization. These individuals were asked
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specific questions based upon the information provided in advance of the Study Team's
arrival, and as a result of on-site observations. Salina Animal Services staff members
identified problems and unique circumstances affecting their agency. Staff members
within Field Services, Administration and Shelter Operations were observed performing
their duties throughout the week. The purpose of these interviews and observation
sessions were to clarify information gathered, and to develop a better understanding of
the key issues that may be limiting Salina Animal Services in their ability to provide the
highest quality services possible. These observations and discussions were conducted
in private and are not attributable to one particular employee.
DISCLAIMER
Since much of the information included in this study was obtained verbally from current
employees, the National Animal Care & Control Association, and its consultants, do not
warrant or guarantee the accuracy of these statements, or the events that may be
described within this report. Verifiable data, in some instances, may not have been
available, or does not exist. Recollections of historical events, which may be mentioned
in this report, are provided by staff members. The NACA Study Team has attempted to
gather accurate data and information to help determine the current needs of Salina
Animal Services. However, due to the nature of the process, errors may sometimes
occur.
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Chapter 1
Service Delivery Area
This chapter includes a brief overview of Salina Animal Services organizational
structure.
Population Trends
City of Salina
Kansas
Year 1995 2000 2005 2010 2016 2017*
Population 44,565 45,810 46,168 47,707 47,676 46,994
Source US Census Bureau *estimate
Service Delivery Areas
Although the City of Salina has maintained a relatively stable population since 1995, the
size of the service area, and number of residents within the service area, greatly
impacts the agency's overall service delivery. According to the U.S. Census Bureau,
City of Salina encompasses 25.15 square miles with approximately 20,937 households
within the City. Salina is the county seat for Saline County. Saline County, including
the City of Salina, has a 2017 estimated total population of 54,734, with a cumulative
total of 24,208 households in an area of 721 square miles.
Using the current estimated human population of 46,994 for the City of Salina, and a
population of 7,740 for the balance of Saline County, the following table provides an
approximation of the population of the four most common pets found in the United
States.
Animal Type Estimated Number of Pet Estimated Pet Population
Owning Households By Animal Type
City of Balance of City of Balance of
Salina Saline Salina Saline
County County
Dogs 6,597 1,087 10,556 1,739
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Cats 5,495 905 11,532 1,899
Birds 560 92 1,283 211
Horses 271 45 741 122
Source: American Veterinary Medical Association
The organization operates out of the Salina Animal Shelter, located at 329 N. 2nd St,
Salina, KS 67401, and provides animal sheltering and field services to the City of
Salina. In addition, and by contract, the City of Salina provides sheltering services for
the dogs and cats only from Saline County, as delivered to the shelter by the Saline
County Sheriff and citizens of Saline County. Salina Animal Services does not provide
field services for the unincorporated areas within the county.
The division is responsible for enforcing the City of Salina Animal Ordinances, Chapter
7 - Animals, adopted April 28, 1980 and periodically amended through April 18, 2005.
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Chapter 2
Administration
Organization and Staffing
The administrative offices for Salina Animal Services are housed within the Animal
Shelter facility. The agency provides animal control and animal sheltering services to
the residents of the City of Salina. By contract, they also provide sheltering services to
the residents of Saline County for dogs and cats only.
At full staff, the agency consists of ten dedicated, hardworking and motivated individuals
providing services to the public. These individuals make up the agency's currently
authorized seven full-time positions, and three part-time seasonal positions (each
working 20 hours a week, May to October). They also contract for part-time veterinary
services for rabies vaccinations as well as spay and neuter surgeries. At the time of the
field visit there were no vacant positions.
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