11/15/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. Mr. Bradley reported a hearing had been held with testimony from the public and from veterinarians. It was concluded the vaccination program e should be continued for a period of time with more research and periodic reviews submitted to the agencies. He noted that Dave Jordan's memo- randum (distributed) outlined the issues, concerns, and cost factors. Lane County Board of Commissioners considered the item at its last Wednesday's meeting, and concurred with the recommendations as presented in Mr. Bradley's memorandum. Ms. Smith wondered what would be the impact on the program if Eugene voted not to continue. Assistant Manager said the SNIP contract is a partnership as it effects some matters. However, this program is a Lane County operation. As long as the City participates financially, it should have a partner's voice in the policies and hiring and firing of the director. He said no part of the $14,800 contributed by the City is going into this vaccination program. The City could withdraw and Lane County could continue the program. In other words, the program would not be affected by the City withdrawing. Mr. Obie had some concern regarding the costs. He noted the bi-agency has done an excellent job of addressing those concerns. However, he was more concerned with providing one more service that may have to be cut back in the future, and whether the City is going beyond the point at which it should be involved. He was concerned that providing some services that could be provided by the private sector might result in increased costs of other services. In the end, people will have to pay more for the remaining vet services. He would be more comfortable . with the City either taking no posture, one of opposition, or expressing concern as to continuing the program. Assistant Manager noted there would be quarterly reports on the program. However, the first report will be more an evaluation of the Tri-Agency. Subsequent reports will more fully cover the SNIP program. Mr. Delay felt Council should remember this is one minor aspect of an entire program. He said one reason for the program was to control the animal population problem and produce a program that will become self- sustaining. The Bi-agency has modeled the program around others that have effectively become self-sustaining and are working well. He felt this to be a minor aspect in the overall program. He also felt this continuing discussion of a minor problem to be a real burden on the Agency personnel who are now trying to move into their new complex and get the program moving. He supported continuation of the program. Assistant Manager said the thrust of the pUblic testimony at the recent hearing was a philosophical dispute between veteranarians and the community. He said only about 50 people have taken advantage of the program in the past several months. 11/15/78--4 - 131