CC Minutes - 10/27/08 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Rita Castillo , 6825 F Street, a Springfield resident, shared information with the council that indicated two cats could produce 240,000 kittens in seven years. She said she was a volunteer at the Lane Council Animal Regulation Authority (LCARA) and while volunteering she saw many people who used the Spay and Neuter Clinic but were disappointed because they arrived too late in the day to take advantage of its services. She asked those present to stand if they were there to speak on the issue of spaying and neutering. Many in the audience did so. She also asked those present to indicate if they participated in rescue activities. Many stood. th Deb Frisch , 3003 West 11 Avenue, Eugene, criticized Councilor Zelenka for his attendance at council meetings since the council’s decision to grant the University of Oregon’s alley vacation application. She announced she would be presenting her justification for requesting his resignation the following day. She also announced the upcoming Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) hearing on the arena appeal on November 13 at 9:00 a.m. in Salem. Ms. Frisch criticized Interim Police Auditor Dawn Reynolds for leaking information to the press. She thought Ms. Reynolds should resign as soon as possible. She criticized the Crest-Storey-Friendly area residents for their opposition to bicycle paths on the streets to be renovated. Cynthia Kokis , 2465 Jefferson Street, Eugene, was opposed to the closure of the Spay and Neuter Clinic. She did not want to have to attend a later hearing to say why she opposed it. She complained that when she arrived in the area in 1973 many things used to be free and there was something for everyone. Now there was no lack of low-income people but everyone had to pay for everything. She suggested that those most hurt by the clinic’s closure were unable to attend the meeting because they were dependent on mass transit, were unaware of the proposal, or had to work. Daniel Cooper , Eugene, discussed his experience as an LTD rider. Lisa Warnes , 5020 Nectar Way, Eugene, representing the Southeast Neighbors, opposed the closure of the Spay and Neuter Clinic. She criticized staff for making the proposal and asked staff to explain how it was a sound idea. Ms. Warnes asserted that there were fees that completely offset the shortfall. She also asserted cutting the program would cost the City through an increase in unwanted pets. She said even if the closure of the clinic actually saved money, the closure lacked humanity and ethics. She urged the council to reverse the staff decision. Dr. Patricia Shea , PO Box 40314, Eugene, opposed the closure of the Spay and Neuter Clinic. She believed its closure would have an adverse effect on residents and their pets. Poor people have pets and if they are unvaccinated and non-neutered they create a public health hazard and consume public and private resources. She thought the clinic a valuable service that should be maintained and the City should pass an ordinance that would force residents to spay and neuter their pets. She said such a precedent existed in California and Eugene could set a precedent for this in Oregon. Such an ordinance would give LCARA more jurisdictional options to deal with animal collectors, backyard breeders, and irresponsible pet owners. Dr. Ann Samsell , 30075 La Bleu Road, Eugene, a former employee of the clinic, opposed the closure of the Spay and Neuter Clinic. She said the community previously had three components needed to deal with animal-related complaints: comprehensive laws and strong enforcement, an education program, and a spay/neuter program. For the clinic to be effective it must be easy to access, work closely with public regulation, and provide services at a low cost. The clinic was well established. It had drastically reduced unwanted and problem animals and served those who could not afford private veterinary services. She MINUTES—Eugene City Council October 27, 2008 Page 2 Regular Meeting