HomeMy WebLinkAbout5G - Contract for Animal Control Services
/~
/."~.~o~ 4646 Dakota Street S.E.
\u ii'\ Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714
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\~ CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
December 21, 2009
5G
Randy Hofstad, Lieutenant
AGENDA ITEM:
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
AND CITY MANAGER TO RENEW THE CONTRACT WITH 4 PAWS
ANIMAL CONTROL FOR ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES FOR THE CITY
FROM JANUARY 1,2010 THROUGH DECEMBER 31,2011.
DISCUSSION:
Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to request authorization to renew the
existing animal control service contract with 4 Paws Animal Control, LLC.
Historv
In 2005, a committee formed under the auspices of the Scott County
Association for Leadership and Efficiency (SCALE) looked at three
alternatives for animal control services: 1) Continue to contract the animal
control services with an outside contractor; 2) Work with the other members
to form a multi-jurisdictional animal control unit; or 3) Each city form its own
animal control unit.
The most significant finding from this investigation was that there is only one
animal control provider available to serve Scott County. The alternatives of
establishing a government run animal control either individually or collectively
was more costly than contracting with 4 Paws. Accordingly Prior Lake,
Savage, Shakopee and the Scott County Sheriffs Office have had ongoing
animal control contracts with 4 Paws since this study occurred.
Current Circumstances
The current contract with 4 Paws expires December 31, 2009. During the
length of the previous contracts we have always received good service and
their response times have actually improved since the company came under
new ownership in 2007. The primary reason for that is because the owners
now live in Prior Lake.
Scott County, Savage and Shakopee all currently contract with 4 Paws for
their animal control needs. That has proven to be beneficial for citizens of
the various communities because it provides consistency and continuity with
the agencies that border each other. 4 Paws also serves the cities of Chaska
and Mendota Heights.
The police departments with in Scott County have been unable to find
another vendor that can provide the level of service that we currently receive
in our area. The city of Shakopee just renewed their contract with 4 Paws last
spring.
www.cityofpriorlake.com
'l?h(1\1~ef ~52A47,98(!Qr !:Fax 952.447.4245
Scott Hutnik, the owner of 4 Paws was contacted and asked to submit a
quote for the upcoming year. Mr. Hutnik said he would like to retain the city
as a client. He said he would provide the same level of service for the years
2010 and 2011 at the same cost we are currently paying. We currently pay:
· $2800.00 + $192.50 (sales tax) = $2,992.50 Per Month or
· $35,910 Per Year
We were unable to secure a second quote since 4 Paws is the only vendor
available to provide services to Scott County.
Conclusion
The Council should determine if it wishes to approve the requested contract
renewal with 4 Paws Animal Control, LLC.
ISSUES:
Based on our research we have determined the following things:
1. 4 Paws is the only source currently available that is able to provide
the level of service required.
2. This service can not be done cheaper by doing it ourselves or in
conjunction with one another.
3. 4 Paws is providing good service. The feedback from our officers
using their service have been positive and we have not received
negative responses from the public.
4. 4 Paws is currently providing the same service to five other entities,
including Scott County and its three largest cities.
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
The rates proposed by 4 Paws are as follows:
January 2010 through December 2010 $2,992.50/month or
35,910/year
January 2011 through December 2011 $2,992.50/month
The funds for this service are already reflected in the 2010 budget.
ALTERNATIVES: 1. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Mayor and the City Manager to execute
the City's standard contract authorizing 4 Paws to continue to be the
City's Animal Control Officer for 2010 and 2011.
2. Take no action at this time.
RECOMMENDED Alternative 1.
MOTION:
Rerwed by:
.~
Frank Bo~ es,
"""--
Motion By:
Second By:
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
The City has contracted with 4 Paws for animal control services since 2005;and
The existing contract between the City and 4 PAWS expires on December 31, 2009;
and
WHEREAS,
The City's Purchasing Policy requires the Staff to solicit quotations for the cost to
provide a service if the cost is anticipated to be between $20,000 and $100,000; and
WHEREAS,
The City Staff has investigated whether there are other animal control providers within
the geographic area to solicit cost quotes to provide animal control services to the City
and determined that there is no other provider within the geographic area that provides
the type and level of services required by the City; and
WHEREAS,
4 PAWS has agreed to provide animal control services for the years 2010 and 2011 at
the same cost as the City is currently paying:
· $2800.00 + $192.50 (sales tax) = $2,992.50 Per Month or
· $35,910 Per Year
; and
WHEREAS, · The animal control services provided by 4 PAWS meets the needs of the City and
has been provided a timely and professional manner.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE,
MINNESOTA as follows:
1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein.
2. 4 PAWS Animal Control Services is designated as the City's Animal Control Officer.
3. The rates shall be $2,800.00 per month from January 2010 through December 2011.
4. The Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized to enter into the City's standardized contract
with 4 PAWS Animal Control Services.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 21st DAY OF DECEMBER 2009.
YES
NO
Haugen
Erickson
Hedberg
I LeMair
I Millar
Haugen
Erickson
Hedberg
LeMair
Millar
Frank Boyles, City Manager
www.cituofpriorlake.com
~:\.C':';~:il\2ggQ ^!jilrl':': D:prtg\12 21 QQi4 pillA'S Rii~I"';M c,-i:> ,~M
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245
AGREEMENT FOR ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT is made on the 21st Day of December, 2009, between the City of Prior Lake,
Minnesota (hereinafter "City"), whose business address is 4646 Dakota Street SE, Prior Lake, MN
55372, and 4 PAWS ANIMAL CONTROL, LLC (hereinafter "Animal Control Officer") whose business
address is 16534 Franklin Trail Se Unit 1A, Prior Lake, MN 55372
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
The City has adopted a policy regarding the selection and hiring of consultants to provide a variety of
services for City projects. That policy requires that persons, firms or corporations providing such services
enter into written agreements with the City. The purpose of this agreement is to set forth the terms and
conditions under which 4 PAWS ANIMAL CONTROL, LLC will provide animal control services and act as
Animal Control Officer to the City as outlined in this Agreement, hereinafter referred to as the "Work."
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the City requires the services of an Animal Control Officer for public safety reasons; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered alternate ways of providing animal control services; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has concluded that the most cost effective way of providing such services is
through contract with 4 PAWS ANIMAL CONTROL, LLC,
NOW, THEREFORE, based on the mutual promises and consideration provided for herein, the
sufficiency of which is not disputed, the parties agree as follows:
1. Recitals: The Recitals set forth above are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
2. Scope of Work. The Scope of the Work is setout in two documents, the City's letter dated March 1,
2005, (Exhibit A) and Proposal dated March 4, 2005, (Exhibit S.) Exhibits A and S are incorporated
by reference herein as if fully set forth. Read together Exhibits A and S, and this Agreement
collectively constitute the "Contract Documents" and define the Work the Animal Control Officer will
perform on behalf of the City. If there is a conflict between any of the provisions in the Contract
Documents, the discrepancy shall be resolved by utilizing the provision most favorable to the City.
3. Time for Performance of Services. The Animal Control Officer shall perform the services described
in the Contract Documents within the timeframe specified therein unless otherwise agreed upon in
writing.
4. Compensation for Services. City agrees to pay the Animal Control Officer for the period January 1,
2010, to December 31,2011, the amount of $2,800.00 per month (plus sales tax). Such amounts will
be paid monthly no later than the 15th of each month for the preceding month following receipt of an
invoice and monthly report.
In addition to the above payments, not to exceed fees set forth above, the Animal Control Officer may
seek reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses directly associated with work expressly
requested by the City.
A. Any changes in the scope of the Work, as described and defined in the Contract Documents,
which may result in a change in the compensation due the Animal Control Officer shall require
R:\Council\2009 Agenda Reports\12 2109\4 PAWS Contract. DOC
prior written approval by an authorized representative of the City or by the City Council. The City
will not pay additional compensation for services that do not have prior written authorization.
B. Special Consultants may be utilized by the Animal Control Officer when required by the complex
or specialized nature of the Work and when authorized in writing by the City.
C. City agrees to pay Animal Control Officer for extra services by the Animal Control Officer or
Special Consultants when authorized in writing by the City.
5. The City agrees to provide the Animal Control Officer with the complete information concerning the
Scope of the Work and to perform the following services:
Access to the Area. Depending on the nature of the Work, Animal Control Officer may from time to
time require access to public and private lands or property. As may be necessary the City shall obtain
access to and make all provisions for the Animal Control Officer to enter upon public and private lands
or property as required for the Animal Control Officer to perform such services necessary to complete
the Work.
Consideration of the Animal Control Officer's Work. The City shall give thorough consideration to all
reports and other documents presented by the Animal Control Officer, and shall inform the Animal
Control Officer of all decisions required of City within a reasonable time so as not to delay the work of
the Animal Control Officer.
Standards. The City is relying on the Animal Control Officer to provide and advise the City with
information on any standards or criteria, including but not limited to, any and all animal control
services.
Citv's Reoresentative. The Police Chief, or his designee, shall interface with the Animal Control
Officer with respect to the work to be performed under this Agreement. The City's representative
shall have complete authority to transmit instructions, receive information, interpret, and define the
City's policy and decisions with respect to the services provided or materials, equipment, elements
and systems pertinent to the work covered by this Agreement.
6. Method of Payment. The Animal Control Officer shall submit to the City, on a monthly basis,
itemized bills for animal control services performed under Section 4 of this Agreement. Bills
submitted shall be paid in the same manner as other claims made to the City.
A. Proaress Pavment. For work reimbursed on an hourly basis, the Animal Control Officer shall
indicate for each employee, his or her name, job title, the number of hours worked, rate of pay for
each employee, a computation of amounts due for each employee, and the total amount due for
each project task. Animal Control Officer shall verify all statements submitted for payment in
compliance with Minnesota Statutes Sections 471.38 and 471.391. For reimbursable expenses, if
permitted in Exhibit A, the Animal Control Officer shall provide such documentation as reasonably
required by the City.
B. Abandoned or Susoended Work. If any work performed by the Animal Control Officer is
abandoned or suspended in whole or in part by the City, the Animal Control Officer shall be paid
for any services performed on account of it prior to receipt of written notice from the City of such
abandonment or suspension, all as shown on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein
by reference.
R:\Council\2009 Agenda Reports\12 21 09\4 PAWS Contract.DOC
2
1. Project Manager and Staffing. Scott Hutnik shall serve as the Animal Control Officer.
2. Standard of Care. All Work performed pursuant to this Agreement shall be in accordance with the
standard of care in Scott County, Minnesota for services of the like kind.
3. Audit Disclosure. The Animal Control Officer shall allow the City or its duly authorized agents
reasonable access to such of the Animal Control Officer's books and records as are pertinent to all
services provided under this Agreement. Any reports, information, data, etc. given to, or prepared or
assembled by, the Animal Control Officer under this Agreement which the City requests to be kept
confidential shall not be made available to any individual or organization without the City's prior written
approval. All finished or unfinished documents, data, studies, surveys, drawings, maps, models,
photographs, and reports prepared by the Animal Control Officer shall become the property of the
City upon termination of this Agreement, but Animal Control Officer may retain copies of such
documents as records of the services provided.
4. Term. The term of this Agreement is defined in the Contract Documents.
5. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by either party by one hundred twenty (120) days
written notice delivered to the other party at the address written above. Upon termination under this
provision if there is no fault of the Animal Control Officer, the Animal Control Officer shall be paid for
services rendered and reimbursable expenses until the effective date of termination. If however, the
City terminates the Agreement because of the Animal Control Officer has failed to perform in
accordance with this Agreement, no further payment shall be made to the Animal Control Officer.
6. Subcontractor. The Animal Control Officer shall not enter into subcontracts for services provided
under this Agreement except as noted in the Scope of Work, without the express written consent of
the City. The Animal Control Officer shall pay any subcontractor involved in the performance of this
Agreement within the ten (10) days of the Animal Control Officer's receipt of payment by the City for
undisputed services provided by the subcontractor. If the Animal Control Officer fails within that time
to pay the subcontractor any undisputed amount for which the Animal Control Officer has received
payment by the City, the Animal Control Officer shall pay interest to the subcontractor on the unpaid
amount at the rate of 1.5 percent per month or any part of a month. The minimum monthly interest
penalty payment for an unpaid balance of $100 or more is $10. For an unpaid balance of less than
$100, the Animal Control Officer shall pay the actual interest penalty due to the subcontractor. A
subcontractor who prevails in a civil action to collect interest penalties from the Animal Control Officer
shall be awarded its costs and disbursements, including attorney's fees, incurred in bringing the
action.
7. Independent Consultant. At all times and for all purposes herein, the Animal Control Officer is an
independent contractor and not an employee of the City. No statement herein shall be construed so
as to find the Animal Control Officer an employee of the City.
8. Non-Discrimination. During the performance of this Agreement, the Animal Control Officer shall not
discriminate against any employee or applicants for employment because of race, color, creed,
religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, or age.
The Animal Control Officer shall post in places available to employees and applicants for
employment, notices setting forth the provision of this non-discrimination clause and stating that all
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The Animal Control Officer shall
incorporate the foregoing requirements of this paragraph in all of its subcontracts for program work,
and will require all of its subcontractors for such work to incorporate such requirements in all
subcontracts for program work.
9, Assignment. Neither party shall assign this Agreement, nor any interest arising herein, without the
written consent of the other party.
R:\Council\2009 Agenda Reports\12 2109\4 PAWS Conlract.DOC 3
10. Services Not Provided For. No claim for services furnished by the Animal Control Officer not
specifically provided for herein shall be honored by the City.
11. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable. If any portion hereof is, for any
reason, held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be contrary to law, such decision shall not affect
the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
12. Entire Agreement. The entire agreement of the parties is contained herein. This Agreement
supersedes all oral agreements and negotiations between the parties relating to the subject matter
hereof as well as any previous agreements presently in effect between the parties relating to the
subject matter hereof. Any alterations, amendments, deletions, or waivers of the provisions of this
Agreement shall be valid only when expressed in writing and duly signed by the parties, unless
otherwise provided herein.
13. Compliance with Laws and Regulations. In providing services hereunder, the Animal Control
Officer shall abide by all statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to the provisions of
services to be provided. The Animal Control Officer and City, together with their respective agents
and employees, agree to abide by the provisions of the Minnesota Data Practices Act, Minnesota
Statutes Section 13, as amended, and Minnesota Rules promulgated pursuant to Chapter 13. Any
violation of statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to the services to be provided shall
constitute a material breach of this Agreement and entitle the City to immediately terminate this
Agreement.
14. Waiver. Any waiver by either party of a breach of any provisions of this Agreement shall not affect,
in any respect, the validity of the remainder of this Agreement.
15. Indemnification. Animal Control Officer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officers,
and employees harmless from any liability, claims, damages, costs, judgments, or expenses,
including reasonable attorney's fees, resulting directly or indirectly from a negligent act or omission
(including without limitation errors or omissions) of the Animal Control Officer, its agents, employees,
or subcontractors in the performance of the services provided by this Agreement and against all
losses by reason of the failure of said Animal Control Officer fully to perform, in any respect, all
obligations under this Agreement.
16. Insurance.
A. General Liabilitv. During the term of this Agreement, Animal Control Officer shall maintain a
general liability insurance policy with limits of at least $600,000 for each person, and each
occurrence, for both personal injury and property damage. This policy shall name the City as an
additional insured for the services provided under this Agreement and shall provide that the
Animal Control Officer's coverage shall be the primary coverage in the event of a loss. The policy
shall also insure the indemnification obligation contained in Paragraph No. 21. A certificate of
insurance on the City's approved form which verifies the existence of this insurance coverage
must be provided to the City before work under this Agreement is begun.
B. Worker's Comoensation. The Animal Control Officer shall secure and maintain such insurance as
will protect Animal Control Officer from claims under the Worker's Compensation Acts and from
claims for bodily injury, death, or property damage which may arise from the performance of
Animal Control Officer's services under this Agreement.
C. Personal Liabilitv Insurance. The Animal Control Officer agrees to provide to the City a certificate
evidencing that they have in effect, with an insurance company in good standing and authorized to
do business in Minnesota, a professional liability insurance policy. Said policy shall insure
R:\Council\2009 Agenda Reports\12 21 09\4 PAWS Contract.DOC 4
payment of damage for legal liability arising out of the performance of animal control services for
the City, in the insured's capacity as the Animal Control Officer, if such legal liability is caused by
an error, omission, or negligent act of the insured or any person or organization for whom the
insured is legally liable. Said policy shall provide an aggregate limit of $1,000,000.
23. Records Access. The Animal Control Officer shall provide the City access to any books,
documents, papers, and records which are directly pertinent to the specific contract, for the purpose
of making audit, examination, excerpts, and transcriptions, for three years after final payments and all
other pending matters related to this contract are closed.
24. Ownership of Documents. All plans, diagrams, analyses, reports and information generated in
connection with the performance of the Agreement ("Information") shall become the property of the
City. The City may use the Information for its purposes and the Animal Control Officer also may use
the Information for its purposes. Reuse of the Information for the purposes of the work contemplated
by this Agreement ("Work") does not relieve any liability on the part of the Animal Control Officer, but
any reuse of the Information by the City or the Animal Control Officer beyond the scope of the Project
is without liability to the other, and the party reusing the Information agrees to defend and indemnify
the other from any claims or liability resulting therefrom.
25. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be controlled by the laws of the State of Minnesota.
Executed as of the day and year first written above.
Reviewed for form:
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE
City Attorney
Mayor
City Manager
4 PAWS ANIMAL CONTROL, LLC
Scott Hutnik, Business Manager
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5
.~ X' v-~....,~~
16200 Eagle Creek Avenue S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 55372
,.. -- - ... - . ...._".-._-,-_._. ." .--- --.. ..".. . ---... -...--
Date:
March 1, 2005
To:
Curt Finch, dba 4 Paws Animal Control
Dana Christian, dba American Boarding Kennel
From:
Frank Boyles. City Manager
Subject:
Interview to discuss animal control services
As you may know. Scott County and the SMSC. together with the cities of Shakopee, Prior Lake, Jordan. New
Prague, and Belle P/aine. are seeking animal control services beginning April 1 , 2005, through December 31, 2005.
We are seeking to learn more about the services you can supply and the cost of each.
We are asking that each of you make a presentation to representatives of each of the units of government on
Friday, March 4, 2005, at Prior Lake Fire Station 1. Each proposer will have 30 minutes to make a presentation
followed by a 20 minute question/answer period. The schedule is as follows:
10 a.m. Curt Finch
11 a.m. Dana Christian
952-707-6967
952-894-8841
c: 612-743-7678
Theresa.finch@comcast.net
dana@americanboardingkenne/.com
The Prior Lake Fire Station is located at 16776 Fish Point Road, which is at the intersection of County Road
21/Eagle Creek Avenue and Fish Point Road.
Please be prepared to respond to at least the following questions:
1. Will one phone number be dedicated to animal control service requests for the above communities?
2. Will the phone number be answered by a human between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10
a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday?
3. How is telephone service provided for the following:
a. after hours?
b. holidays?
c. when the phone is busy?
4. Will callbacks be made within 30 minutes of the initial call after hours or in the event of a busy signal?
5. Where will animals be boarded for pick up by owners?
6. Describe the boarding facility, its capacity, amenities and location. When is the facility open for pick up?
7. Will you provide inoculation/medical services? Please describe.
8. Will you provide euthanasia and disposal services? Describe your policy for informing owners, including
timelines.
www.cityofpriorlake.com
Phone 952.447.4230 / Fax 952.447.4245
9. Will you pick up dead animals of all kinds and sizes (domestic, farm, wild or exotic) in the right of way or public
property?
10. Will you provide patrol services? Can individual units of government select the amount of patrol hours desired
per month?
11. Will you provide response for public safety emergencies as identified by the cities/county?
12. What is your procedure for dog bites including timeline and notifications?
13. What monthly reporting will you provide uniformly to all governmental units?
14. Please specify all fees uniformly for each governmental unit by service provided including the following and
specifying who will pay the fee (city or pet owner).
a. Boarding (day)
b. Inoculation (rabies/distemper)
c. License fees
d. Late fees
e. Emergency response (by call or per hour)
f. Patrol (per hour)
g. Dead animal pick up (if not during patrol)
h. Live animal pick up (if not during patrol)
i. Cost for quarantine (day)
j. Monthly retainer fee (what is included)
k. Euthanasia/disposal cost.
15. Describe any licenses or certificates held by the persons providing the above services.
16. Do you warrant that you are and will remain in full compliance with any and all applicable codes, regulations or
laws related to the services outlined above?
17. Describe the patrol vehicle to be used.
18. Describe the employee(s) who will provide the above described services. Provide references.
19. Describe your availability .and capacity to provide the above services based upon the individual needs of each
governmental unit.
20. Any additional information you believe which is relevant to this request.
We appreciate your interest. We intend to evaluate each proposal and enter into one or more individual contracts
with the vendor who can best serve our needs. It is possible that some governmental units will decide not to
participate in this joint effort.
We hope this memorandum helps you to prepare for the interview. If you have questions, please call me at 952-
447-9801.
Cc: Scott County, Rob Boe and Brian Kanninen
SMSC, Lester Morris and Bill Rudnicki
Shakopee, Mark McNeill and Dan Hughes
Savage, Barry Stock
Prior Lake, Randy Hofstad and Bill O'Rourke
Jordan, Linda Waite Smith
New Prague, Jerry Bohnsack
e.r-\...\ b" r .l)
31~lo~
4 PAWS Animal Control
Response to submitted questions
1. Will one phone number be dedicated to animal control service requests for the
above communities?
Yes. We do plan on operating an impound facility and office in Scott County
and that would include a dedicateclline for the Scott County area. We also use cell
phones to back up our land lines. Calls are automatically forwarded to cell phones
whenever we leave the pound. We want to make sure that we are there to answer
every call for the convenience of callers and to facilitate a rapid response.
2. Will the phone number be answered by a human between 7 a. m. and 6 p.m. Mon-
day through Friday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday?
Our phones are answered by a real-live person, 24 hours per day, 365 days a
year. That way we can respond immediately after getting all pertinant information
from the caller while the other guys are still waiting for someone to listen to their mes-
sage. For us, that delay is unacceptable. We also believe that callers are frustrated
when they are not able to talk to a human. We take the time to assure the caller that
we unde. ,:)land the problem and we are responding and we are concerned about their
problem.
3. How is telephone service provided for the following:
a. after hours?
We don't have "after hours." We respond in person to every call at all times.
b. holidays?
As far as we know, animals do not celebrate holidays and neither do we. We
answer our phones and respond in person 24 hours per day, every day of the year,
even hOlidays.
c. when the phone is busy?
We have several phone company "features" to enhance our phone service to
make sure we get our calls. We have call waiting to let us know when another call is
coming in and we are on the line. Whenever possible we politely bring our first call to
an end or ask to put the first caller on hold to check on the nature of the second call.
If it isn't a call that requires immediate attention we return to the first caller and com-
plete that call. When we leave the office our calls are automatically forwarded to a cell
phone and just to be sure we also forward our calls to another cell phone. That way
the first call rings to the first cell phone and if we are already on the line and we can't
break away for the call waiting signal, the call will go to the second cell phone number.
If we just can't break away from the first call for the second call then we do have voice
messaging on all phones just in case.
4. Will callbacks be made within 30 minutes of the initial call after hours or in the
3/<fIO~
event of a busy signal?
If we do miss a call it is because we were not able to break away from our origi-
nal caller. In that case voice messaging immediately notifies us that there is a mes-
sage(we would be aware of the message because of the call waiting notification as
well). We return calls immediately.
5. Where will animals be boarded for pick up by owners?
We have always tried to house our animals near our service area to make it
easy for owners to pick up their animals. But because of the wide area we currently
cover we haven't always been able to have a pound in every city or even an adjacent
city. We have tried to stay close by leasing smaller buildings but that proved to be too
costly. We tried leasing space from area vets and even the Humane Society but that
wasn't always convenient or proved to be too costly as well. We found the best solu-
tion for our current situation was to deliver animals for owners at no additional charge.
That is convenient for owners and it keeps our trucks on the road and it allows us to
house the animals in one area, even if it is away from our service area.
But for Scott County we do plan on leasing a building in a central location
(based on geography and call volume). Our building will be open at least 4 hours ev-
ery day for animal pick ups and other visits. We would be willing to make arrange-
ments to meet owners at almost any other time as well or we may even continue to
deliver animals if that turns out to be most convenient for owners.
6. Describe the boarding facility, its capacity, amenities and location. When is the fa-
cility open for pick up?
Our Scott County facility will be designed in accordance with humane society
gUidelines including:
-placement and design of animal housing to minimize stress and disease trans-
mission
-equipment for kenneling and caging, and its best placement
-quarantine and isolation areas
-drainage
-temperature control
-ventilation
-noise abatement
-lighting
-equipment for animal care and handling
-equipment for shelter cleaning
Our facility and our procedures will be designed to protect the animals, the staff, as
well as the visiting public from the day the animals arrive to the day they are reclaimed
or put up for adoption. Our dog kennels will be at least 25 square feet in size.
The pound will be centrally located in Scott County based on expected volume
and convenience for the public and for a rapid response by our personnel to calls for
service. The pound will be open at least 4 hours every day for publiC visits and ar-
rangements for additional visits will be available.
3/tfro~
7. Will you provide inoculation/medical services? Please describe.
Animals requiring medical services are transported to an area vet for treatment.
In most cases animals are stabilized only until an owner is located and can authorize
additional treatment by the vet. After hours emergencies would be transported to an
emergency vet. Under the flat fee system we propose our service would cover all vet
costs except when an owner is identified. All vet service costs would then be recovered
from the animal owner.
We do not give inoculations. Unclaimed animals which we give to Last Hope
are given all inoculations and routine medical care prior to adoption or placement in a
foster home.
8. Will you provide euthanasia and disposal services? Describe your policy for inform-
ing owners, including timelines.
We use a vet for all euthanasia services. We encourage owners to bring ani-
mals to their own vet for euthanasia and also disposal to save them money. If we
transport animals to a vet for these services we do charge for the service. We will pro-
vide these services for owners if they just can't bring themselves to deal with the situ-
ation, but we do charge for our service as well as for the cost of the vet service.
Fortunately, almost all of our unclaimed animals are given to Last Hope for
adoption so our euthanasia needs are minimal. We do make use of vets for our pet
disposal needs.
We always try to notify owners immediately in every situation where an owner
is identifiable.
9. Will you pick up dead animals of all kinds and sizes (domestic, farm, wild or exotic)
in the right of way or public property?
We do include dead animal pick up on public roads and property under the flat
fee proposal we are offering. All animals of all sizes would be included except that
deer on county and state roads would not be included at this time. We currently con-
tract with the Scott County Highway Department for deer pick up on county roads and
the State picks up on its own roads. When an owner of an animal is identified we
would recover disposal costs from the owner.
10. Will you provide patrol services? Can individual units of government select the
amount of patrol hours desired per month?
Patrol and visibility are very important deterrents to would be violators and so
we do include a range of patrol hours in our flat fee proposal. Patrol hours are based
on population and requests by callers.
We would be willing to increase patrol hours beyond the maximum of our pro-
posal at an additional cost but we believe we do provide a workable range.
11. Will you provide response for public safety emergencies as identified by the cities!
county?
Response to all emergencies involving animals would be included in our flat fee
3/'110 {'
proposal. We respond to accidents, arrests, fires, search warrants, and any other pos-
sible emergency. If you need us just call us and we will respond.
Within reason and good taste, we will try to recover fees from owners whenever
an owner is identifiable. For example we would try to recover boarding costs for pets
picked up from an arrest or disposal costs for an animal killed in a fire. We always try
to wait as long as we can under the circumstances and if it seems like a bill might be
in bad taste then we would absorb the costs. We are a business and we like to make
money but we are also human.
12. What is your procedure for dog bites including timeline and notifications?
We are all about rapid responses and in bite cases that is even more essential.
In every City we currently provide service for, the police respond to bites to take an
initial report because they can usually get their the quickest. In most cases it involves
an animal which is already held and our response would be to pick up animals which
are not current on vaccinations and hold them for quarantine for from 10 to 14 days
depending on the ordinance. If an animal is still at large -then the police notify us and
we immediately begin searching for the animal. If necessary, live traps would be set
up.
When I worked at the City of Edina I was the first response and report-taker on
all animal bites, so if a city wanted us to take the report we could certainly do so with
confidence.
Depending on the ordinance quarantines are 10 to 14 days in duration. If an
animal is at the stage where he can transmit the rabies virus then it would develop
symptoms within that timespan. When animals are in our pound for quarantine we
watch the closely for symptoms and would report any symptoms to victims immedi-
ately so that they could begin the shots or we can get the animal tested by the State
Health Department. We are authorized to submit animals for testing at the University
of Minnesota Vet Diagnostic Lab. Wild animals involved in bites which are known as
poSSible rabies carriers are euthanized immediately and tested for rabies. There is no
effective quarantine period for wild animals.
If the animal passes quarantine without exhibiting any symptoms of rabies we
would notify the police department and the victim of the results at that time.
Quarantines for animals with owners are at the expense of the owner and fees
would be recovered. Unclaimed animals would be euthanized and disposed of by our
vet. We do not give animals with bite histories to shelters for adoption.
Under the terms of our flat fee proposal cities/counties would not be charged
anything additional for any quarantine services.
Animals with current rabies vaccinations are usually quarantined at home under
strict rules. We would make mid- and post quarantine inspections of the animal and
report our findings immediately to the police and the victim. Quarantined animals
which do not have current vaccinations and which pass quarantine will be required to
be transported to a vet immediately upon release and be vaccinated for rabies. Verifi-
cation from vets would be required.
3Nlo(
13. What monthly reporting will you provide uniformly to all governmental units?
Our reports include all significant dates and times as well as incident informa-
tion, enforcement activities, and a final disposition. We also include all animal infor-
mation and description as well as owner information whenever an owner is identified.
We submit our paperwork as soon as reasonably possible after the end of the month.
14. Please specify all fees uniformly for each governmental unit by service provided
including the following and specifying who will pay the fee (city or pet owner).
Flat fee proposal
Owners
Amount
e, Inoculation
(rabies/di,)l.......,..... )
f. License fees
not given
not given
dogs: $15.00 day
cats: $12.00 day
nla
d. Boarding (day)
included
recovered
h. Emergency. ...,),. u..5e
(by call per hour)
included
from owners
if applicable
recover fees
from owners
as per ordinance
nla
eoUeet fees for city
collect fees for city
g. Late fees
not applieable
i. Patrol (per hour)
included
at set range
included
not applicable
pick up
and board fees
where applicable
nla
k. live animaI pick up
I. Cost for quarantine
included
recover from owners
Large dog-$95
Small dog-$75
Cat-$75
$30.00
j. Dead animaI pick up
recover from owners
n. Euthanasia/disposal cost
80 cents per penon
per year.
aU services are included.
total bid per month
$6,700.00
included
not applicable
pick up
and board fees
where applicable
nla
included
recover from owners
m. Monthly retainer
fee(what is included)
recover f":" L. owners
Large dog-$95+$30
Snudldog-S75+$25
Cat-$75+$20
Our proposal calls for a set monthly fee based on a charge of 80 cents per
person per year with no additional charges for the cities/counties -except
for applicable sales and use taxes- with all services included. For all of the
cities/counties included in this request for bids our monthly flat fee would
be $6,700.00. Owners would pay for fees associated with impound services.
>\+ ()~
15. Describe any licenses or certificates held by persons providing the above services.
While at Edina I attended many training sessions and I have tried to train my
fellow workers with the same information. We do not currently have any licenses or
certificates but we do have plenty of common sense and experience. We also try
to always be courteous but serious about the importance of what we are doing.
16. Do you warrant that you are and will remain in full compliance with any and all
codes, regulations or laws related to the services outlined above?
We are in compliance and we will remain in compliance with all regulations. We cur-
rently have all insurances and coverages for our vehicles and our business as required
by Scott County and all of the cities we service.
17. Describe the patrol vehicle to be used.
We currently use 3 pick ups with toppers, a suburban, and a jeep as patrol vehi-
cles. The vehicles are marked for patrol although we are currently changing the de-
sign of our markings and we will be changing our vehicles soon. We are changing our
name from 4 PAWS Animal Control to 4 PAWS Animal Care and Control. All of our ve-
hicles are equipped with kennels, animal stretchers, leashes, nets, control poles, and
other capture equipment. We always operate our vehicles in a safe manner to protect
the public and ourselves, and all animals.
18. Describe the employee(s) who will provide the above services. Provide refer-
ences.
I will be the primary service provider for the Scott County area. I have 30 years
experience as a dogcatcher/animal control officer.
Our company has been providing service in this area since December of 1991
with various City/County units of government. Prior to that I was an animal control of-
ficer at the City of Edina for 10 years as well as the dogcatcher for the cities of Morris
and Herman, Minnesota while I was attending college at the University of Minnesota-
Morris.
We are currently providing animal control service to:
The City of Savage
The City of Farmington
The City of Mendota Heights
the developed areas of Empire Township in Dakota County
We also provide a roadkill disposal service for several other areas including:
Scott County
Washington County
Dakota County
Oakdale
Grant
'3 ~, 0 ~
Eagan
lakeville
Apple Valley
Afton
Shorewood
Elko
Baytown Township
Credit River Township
Ravenna Township
Eureka Township
References:
City of Savage- Colleen Johnson- Code Enforcement
City of Farmington- Police Chief Dan Siebenauler
City of Mendota Heights- Officer Scott Patrick
Scott County (roadkill deer pickup)- Gene Busacker- Highway Department
Washington County (roadkill deer pickup)- Doug Johnson- Highway
Department/south
Dakota County (roadklll deer pickup)- Bob Egan- Highway Department
City of Eagan- Kurt- Street Department
19. Describe your availability and capacity to proVide the above selVices based upon
the individual needs of each government unit.
We do plan on keeping our current areas of selVice separate from the Scott
County area. We will be based in Scott County and we will establish a pound and an
office in a central location based, in part, on geographiC location, roadway access, zon-
ing regulations, and the number of calls generated in each area. Our goal is to arrive
on location on most calls within 15 minutes from the time we receive the complaint.
We hope we can respond to almost every call and every location within 25 minutes.
There will be times when we will have multiple calls and in those cases we will respond
to calls which pose the greatest threat to public safety first and after that we will re-
spond to calls in the order they were received. We would not hesitate to reassign one
of trucks from our eastern area (Dakota County) to assist as needed.
20. Any additional information you believe which is relevant to this request.
We have over 30 years experience handling animal calls and complaints. We
have encountered many different situations so we are know how to handle many types
of problems and we also have accumulated many different reference materials to
guide us as well. But we aren't perfect. We are a business and many decisions we
make are intended to make money, although we are committed to never making a
business decision at the expense of an animal. Working with the public and with
cities/counties can be difficult at times. We have managed to alienate several of each.
'!./'f{oS
But we always try to learn from such encounters and we believe that our service im-
proves after every problem we encounter. We are a better service than we were 10
years ago and we are a better service than we were last week and we get better ev-
ery day. We hope you will invest in our service for your area.
;\~lcS-
Components and inclusions of flat fee proposal
Our proposal for providing animal control service for Scott County and the
several cities included in the proposal is based on a flat fee determined by
the population of the areas involved.
All animal control services are included and the only cost to the county/
cities is the monthly fee (except that the county/cities are responsible for
all applicable sales and use taxes).
When an owner is identified, the owner shall be required to pay all im-
pound and pick up fees and all other relevant charges.
Flat fees allow county/cities to make better budget plans and projections
because it does away with variations and fluctuations.
Our serVice includes:
-24 hour coverage'every day of the year,
-patrol as needed'based on calls and complaints and need for visibility,as
provided in patrol 'range
-phones answered by real people at all hours for customer convenience,
-reasonable response times,'
....
-compassion and quality care for all animals
-collecting fees for the county/cities,
-an animal impound facility located in the County,
-Vet care and disposal of unclaimed animals,
-DOA pick up and disposal,
-Record maintenance
-The county/cities would not be charged for unclaimed animals or any
other services.
4 PAWS ANIMAL CONTROL
952-894-9065 !>N t)~
The amounts in this proposal are made under the condition that a substantial
number of the county/cities units involved in this request for proposals do opt for ac-
cepting this flat fee proposal at this rate. This is a discounted rate which is only avail-
able under those circumstances.
Determining ftat fee based on population for this proposal
Location
2005 population esti-
mates
as provided by cities'
counties
27,000
annualfee
population estimate x
.80
monthly fee
Shakopee
$21,600
$1,800.00
Prior Lake
18,100
$14,480 $1,206.67
Belle Plalne
5,000
$4,000 $333.34
Jordan
4,900
$3,920
$326.66aprx
New Prague
5,500
$4,400
$366.66aprx
Scott County
22,000
$17,600
...
$1,466.67
Chaska
18,000
$14,400
$1,200.00
TOTAL
100,500
$80,400
annual fee
$6,700.00
monthly fee
>/Y o~
This rate is offered as our regular flat fee rate. If a substantial majority of units in
your group do not choose to use our service at the discount rate then this regular rate
would be in affect for county/cities units which wish to participate.
This flat fee rate would also be available to county/cities units which choose not to be
a part of the group.
Determining flat fee based on population at our usual rate for bids/proposals
Location
Shakopee
Prior Lake
Belle Plaine
Jordan
New Prague
Scott County
Chaska
TOTAL
2005 population esti-
mates
as provided by dliesl
counties
27,000
18,100
5,000
~-----_.~-- .
,
4,900
5,500
22,000
18,000
100,500
annual fee
population estimate x
1.00 per person per
year
$27,000
$18,100
$5,000
$4,900
$5,500
,'-
$22,000
$18,000
$100,500
per year
monthly fee
$2,250.00
$1,508.34
$416.67
$408.34
$458.34
$1,833.34
$1,500.00
$8,375.00
per month
aprx