DATE: October 15, 2024
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Accept up to $500,000 in Donations From the Keith Lacey Trust to be Used by the Hayward Animal Services Bureau for Community Animal Programs, to Provide Shelter Pets Veterinary Care, to Purchase a Shelter Animal Van, and to Supplement Shelter Improvement Projects
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) authorizing the City Manager to accept up to $500,000 from the Keith Lacey Trust, to be used by the Hayward Animal Services Bureau (HASB) to operate community focused animal programs aimed at keeping pets with their owner and reducing pet overpopulation, to provide shelter animals with veterinary care, to purchase a replacement van, and to supplement shelter improvement projects.
SUMMARY
The HASB has been named as a beneficiary of a cash gift from the Keith Lacey Trust (the Trust). Pursuant to the Trust, one third of the Estate of Keith Lacey shall be distributed to “Hayward Animal Control” strictly for the rehabilitation of animals. A preliminary distribution of $200,000 has been ordered by the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda. There will be an additional distribution of an unknown amount on a later date that is projected to be disbursed by close of FY 25. As such, the HASB is seeking authority to accept up to $500,000, to account for the additional distribution without the need to return to Council at a later time.
With the initial $200,000 disbursement, HASB is proposing to put $100,000 towards the operation of community focused animal programs specific to spay and neuter and providing pet owners with financial assistance for veterinary care services. HASB proposes allocating another $50,000 towards veterinary care for shelter animals that improve their quality of life and enhance their chances for adoption. HASB proposes the remaining $50,000 of the initial allocation be put towards identified shelter improvement projects that improve the quality of life for shelter animals. Additional funds would be allocated to the identified programs and projects, with HASB proposing the allocation of funds for the purchase of a van for animal transport and for use at community events.
HASB plans to place donor recognition on any transport van acquired and create the “Keith Lacey Memorial Fund” in his honor.
The Trust has been informed of and approved of the proposed projects the City intends to utilize the donation(s) towards, as more fully explained below.
DISCUSSION
The HASB intends to use the funds donated by the Trust for the five following rehabilitative projects which focus on reducing the overpopulation of stray animals, the overcrowding of shelters, and providing animals the medical care and lifestyle they deserve. The HASB also proposes establishing a “Keith Lacey Memorial Fund” to honor Keith Lacey for his incredible gift.
City’s Spay and Neuter Program
The City’s Spay and Neuter Programs are critical in reducing the number of animals entering shelters and living on the street. By offering affordable or even free sterilization services to pet owners, these programs help control the animal population at its source, preventing unplanned litters and reducing the burden on shelters. This not only alleviates overcrowding in shelters but also reduces euthanasia rates and promotes responsible pet ownership within the community. In essence, these programs serve as proactive measures to tackle the issue of pet overpopulation and its associated challenges. HASB proposes allocating an initial $50,000 towards its low- cost spay and neuter voucher program for owned pets to offer a minimum 200 free spay/neuter vouchers to Hayward dog owners and 200 free spay/neuter vouchers to Hayward cat owners.
Low-Income Community Based Veterinary Care Assistance Program The HASB proposes an initial $50,000 be allocated to fund a community based veterinary care assistance program for low-income Hayward pet owners. Community-based veterinary care and assistance programs that fund treatment of treatable medical conditions play a critical role in keeping pets and people together and preventing pets from entering shelters or being euthanized unnecessarily. HASB would seek to partner with local veterinarians to provide services. Upon application approval, a maximum amount of $1500 for veterinary services would be made available per pet with a qualifying medical condition. Payments would be made directly to the veterinary service provider. Programs such as these ensure that pet owners facing financial difficulties can access lifesaving and humane medical treatment for their furry companions who need care. By subsidizing and in some cases fully covering the costs for care, these programs help alleviate the financial burden on pet owners, allowing them to provide necessary medical attention to their beloved pets without resorting to surrendering them to shelters, euthanizing them, or allowing them to suffer needlessly due to inability to afford treatment. Ultimately, these programs keep pets in their homes and contribute to strengthening the human-animal bond.
Shelter Animal Veterinary Care
The HASB proposes an initial $50,000 be allocated to fund veterinary care deemed necessary to improve the quality of life for shelter animals and enhance their chances of finding loving homes. HASB frequently receives animals requiring various levels of veterinary care. This care encompasses basic medical services and emergency treatments funded by general funds provided by the City. Additionally, we perform procedures essential for improving an animal's quality of life and enhancing their chances for adoption. Since most adopters may not be able to take a pet that needs expensive veterinary care, we provide additional treatments such as diagnostic testing, dental cleanings and extractions, mass removals, and orthopedic surgeries. Veterinary care provided beyond the legal holding period, as well as care that goes beyond basic treatment, is funded through generous donations made to HASB specifically for this purpose. Given the rising costs of veterinary services, we face challenging decisions about the extent of care we can offer, and which animals will receive it.
Shelter Improvement Projects
HASB proposes allocating the remaining $50,000 of the initial disbursement towards already identified shelter improvement projects that enhance the quality of life for shelter animals and improves their overall health and welfare by providing conditions conducive to good disease control and have a positive impact on their mental health. In FY 22, the Council approved the allocation of $300,000 in ARPA funds for facility renovations in FY 24. However, the identified needs of the facility exceed the available funds. Facility needs have been prioritized, with the refurbishment of the flooring in a section of our dog kennels being the top priority. The additional funds will be allocated to refurbishing the flooring in other identified areas, further enhancing the environment for better disease control. Future funding may also support additional improvement projects, such as installing soundproofing materials in dog wards to reduce noise in the kennels and help alleviate stress and create a more welcoming environment for visitors. Improved facilities can attract more volunteers and potential adopters, leading to increased socialization and interaction for the animals. Overall, investing in shelter improvements creates a more conducive environment for the well-being of shelter animals, increasing their chances of adoption and ultimately improving their quality of life.
Shelter Transport Van
The HASB currently uses a 1999 model pick-up truck with a shell for transporting shelter animals to and from our contract veterinarian, adoption partners, and for transporting supplies to community events. The HASB proposes an allocation of $80,000 towards the purchase of a van for animal transport and supply transportation to community events. The goal will be to purchase an electric van to align with the Council’s strategic priorities. Purchase of electric van will be dependent on the installation of a charging station at 16 Barnes Ct. The purchase of a van is important for several reasons: Firstly, a temperature-controlled van enhances the safety and comfort for animals being transported, ensuring that pets make it to their destination safely and consistent with best practices; and Secondly, it facilitates the logistics of transporting supplies to community events, allowing for more efficient organization and delivery of essential resources. Purchase of an electric van reduces carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability and promoting eco-friendly practices in alignment with the Council’s strategic priorities. HASB would recommend vehicle branding include recognition of Keith Lacey and his generous gift to Hayward’s shelter animals.
Ultimately, HASB requests that Council authorizes the City Manager to accept the initial $200,000 and future disbursements from the Keith Lacey Trust up to $500,000 without the need to return to Council. Additional disbursements would be added to the above programs and projects already identified.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
This agenda item will have an economic impact on the residents of Hayward since it will enable HASB to provide free services to (1) pet owners wanting to spay/neuter their pets, and (2) low-income pet owners in need of urgent/treatable veterinary services. This agenda item will also save the city money with the purchase of an electric vehicle and contribute towards facility repairs that impact the wellbeing of shelter animals and maintain a welcoming environment for shelter visitors.
FISCAL IMPACT
The donation from the Estate of Keith Lacey will allow HASB to fund projects that support people and pets in our community as well as improve the quality of life for animals in the shelter. Funding community programs reduces the number of animals born that may end up in the shelter and keeps pets out of the shelter and with their families.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP
This agenda item supports the following Council Strategic Priorities: Enhances Community Safety & Quality of Life; Confront Climate Crisis & Champion Environmental Justice; Invest in Infrastructure.
SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES
The recommended action for the report will not directly result in physical development, purchase or service, new policy or legislation related to sustainability.
PUBLIC CONTACT
No public contact was made for this item.
NEXT STEPS
If Council approves, the City will send a copy of the approved Staff Report and Resolution to The Demiris Law Firm to accept and request the distribution of funds to be used as directed above.
Prepared by: Jennie Comstock, Animal Services Administrator Recommended by: Bryan Matthews, Chief of Police
Approved by:
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Dustin Claussen, Interim City Manager