Cancellation of contracted services for North Metro Animal Care and Control.

The purpose of this case is to notify the Council of the cancellation of animal care services with North Metro Animal Care and Control (NMACC).

In 2019, the city entered into an agreement with North Metro Animal Care and Control (NMACC) to provide animal containment services for the City of Ramsey. In December 2021, the city renewed this contract for services with NMACC.  Chief Katers received a letter (attached) stating NMACC would be closing and no longer providing animal care or impound services.  The service will stop at the close of business on May 31, 2022.

Since receiving the letter, Ramsey PD staff has explored other alternatives to replace NMACC's services.  Ramsey PD staff have checked with multiple animal boarding and kennel services in the area.  A majority of these facilities didn't want to enter into an agreement due to the uncertainty of the animal's vaccination status.  Other facilities were not interested or felt we handled too many impounded animals.

Ramsey PD staff have contacted the Anoka PD to handle the animal boarding of stray animals.  This agreement had been previously used before the City of Ramsey switched to NMACC for services.  Anoka PD has agreed to provide us with 2 kennels at their temporary facility to board dogs.  The cost will be $50 per impound and $25 a day for each day the animal is in the facility.

Anoka PD is open to us continuing our services with them when their new gun range/animal facilities are completed in or near October 2022.

The city is satisfied with this new alternative which allows the use of Anoka PD's animal shelter.

As an alternate, the Council could reject this option and request us to seek other vendors/options.  This alternative is not recommended at this time due to the need for services on June 1st.

The budgeted amount for animal containment services in the budget for 2022 was $2000.  NMACC handled the billing for the contained animals and the adoption of unclaimed animals.  The city will be responsible for handling these duties and expenses for the remainder of 2022.  Due to these duties moving back to the city, there could be an added cost for unclaimed animals. 

Staff recommends approving the use of the Anoka PD animal shelter for the containment of stray animals for the Ramsey PD.

Motion to approve the agreement with Anoka PD to allow Ramsey PD to use their facilities for animal impound services.