ST. PAUL – The County of St. Paul has decided to waive a waste management fee for the St. Paul Animal Shelter to help with their operational costs, along with providing gravel to the non-profit organization for the next three years.
The St. Paul Animal Shelter spoke with County of St. Paul council during a delegation at the regular Council meeting on Aug. 8, revisiting a prior proposal they made to the County previously filed for information.
The animal shelter asked County council if they could waive the $96 waste management fee they are currently paying on a monthly basis. The non-profit also requested the County supply of gravel for a three-year period. Also, the shelter asked if the County could install two signs on Highway 29 indicating the St. Paul Animal Shelter’s location.
In exchange, the shelter is willing to provide a dedicated kennel space for “at-large animals,” as well as a key to the animal shelter’s facility to allow the County to use it without waiting for permission, according to the written proposal from the animal shelter.
After three days, if not claimed, the animal or the dog at-large will become the property of the shelter, and instead of charging $150, a $135 discounted drop-off fee will be charged to the County. If the animal is claimed, the County would not be charged.
Coun. Maxine Fodness asked if the shelter had any money left in its reserves, and Anna Leskiw, the shelter’s president, responded by saying no. Leskiw added the money from the shelter’s reserves were expended throughout the pandemic.
Lucy Weinmeier, the shelter’s treasurer, added, “We’re never going to be in a position to make money.” Weinmeier explained the maximum the shelter charges for the adoption of dogs is $450, for example. Meanwhile, it costs $907 to process female dogs, and $657 for males.
“So, we’re always in a losing position... that’s why we work so many Bingos,” said Weinmeier.
County of St. Paul Reeve Glen Ockerman asked if there are any provincial or federal grants available that the shelter could apply for, or if they do receive any grants.
Leskiw said there are none. “We’ve tried... there is nothing for an animal shelter.”
Weinmeier added that due to the animal shelter not being a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), no grants from the government are available. “We're a no-kill philosophy or facility,” said Weinmeier.
Coun. Ross Krekoski asked if it was possible to apply to become an SPCA while maintaining a no-kill policy, “Or does the designation as an SPCA override any policies that you might have?”
Leskiw said the SPCA organization has other policies that the animal shelter cannot abide by. For example, they cannot afford to have two people look after the dog area, and two people for the cat area, which also includes administration.
“Our cages are considered too small, even though they’re quite big, I think, for cats. So, it would limit us from 13 cats down to less,” said Leskiw. She said to be an SPCA, there are also certain cages that are required, which would cost $2,500 a piece for one animal, for example.
“We just can’t afford that.”
Coun. Dale Hedrick also asked if there were ways the animal shelter can get deals, such as with veterinarians, for example. Leskiw said they could, but they need to drive out of town to go to Bonnyville, for example. With the added travel expenses, it would still cost them extra money.
Currently, there are two cages dedicated for the County when they pick up dogs at-large. Ockerman asked if the County needs its current two. Leskiw believes the County does, adding most dogs at the shelter are picked up within the County.
Coun. Darrell Younghans asked for clarification and if Leskiw meant those dogs are being picked up by County staff. Leskiw said not necessarily, stating there are often dogs picked up within the County by residents, then dropped off at the shelter.
Ockerman also asked the County’s director of community services, Jason Storch, if two cages are enough.
“It appears to be working for us from what I’ve seen in the short time I’ve been here,” said Storch.
Younghans also asked how many dogs County staff specifically picked up last year. Storch estimated about five.
Following further discussions, Younghans motioned to waive the animal shelter’s $96 monthly waste management fee for a period of two years. The motion passed. Council also approved donating 12.5 tonne of gravel annually for three years, and if they require more, they will need to put in a new request to the County.
