Animal shelter panel hasn't met in almost year

Committee unaware annual reports to council required

The Animal Shelter Advisory Committee is meeting Monday afternoon for the first time in 11 months, even though the city ordinance that created it specifies the committee should meet quarterly.

The committee, which advises the Jefferson City Animal Shelter (JCAS), is comprised of three area veterinarians, including Dr. Gregory Popp as chairman, Dr. Jim Crago as vice chairman and Dr. Greg Boyer as a committee member. The veterinarians serve three-year terms.

The 2009 city ordinance that created the committee has not been amended since its creation. It states the "committee shall make a continuous study of shelter needs and shall make recommendations to the City Council and Council committees for the development and use of the shelter."

The ordinance requires the committee meet quarterly and submit an annual report to the City Council every January that outlines its business and accomplishments for the year.

The committee hasn't met since Aug. 21, 2012, and according to City Clerk Phyllis Powell, it has not submitted any annual reports.

Popp said the committee hasn't met since August; He said meetings had been scheduled throughout the year, but the committee didn't actually meet because there was no new business to discuss. He said Monday's meeting was scheduled because it's been about three months since they would have had their last meeting.

He said Monday's meeting is not in response to any recent events at the shelter.

Shelter veterinarian Dr. Amanda Dykstra resigned June 14 and was let go early from her month's notice June 27. An interim veterinarian, Dr. Corey McCann was hired Tuesday. There has also been concern over the shelter's use of a gas chamber for euthanasia.

Popp said he wasn't aware the committee is required to submit annual reports to the City Council, but he knows meeting minutes are submitted.

He said the committee has not yet received any written correspondence for Monday's meeting.

The City Council will also meet at 6 p.m. Monday.

Jennifer Tergin and Jackie Fischer, both members of the Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter group, are scheduled to present to the council regarding a trap, neuter and return program for Jefferson City's feral cat population.

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