HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract 53856 CSC No.53856
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c�rysF°'r MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
FC9q��9ly THE CITY OF FORT WORTH AND THE
HUMANE SOCIETY OF NORTH TEXAS
This Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") is made and entered into by and
between the Humane Society of North Texas ("HSNT"), a Texas non-profit
corporation, acting by and through its President, Susan Gulig, and the City of Fort
Worth ("City"), a Texas home-rule municipal corporation, acting by and through its duly
authorized Assistant City Manager, Valerie Washington, to document the funding,
intended use and understanding related to donations for the benefit of animals in City's
Animal Care and Control Center. City and HSNT may be referred to herein individually
as a "Party" or collectively as the "Parties."
SECTION 1
_Background and Purpose of MOU
1.1. Background.
1.1.1. Fort Worth Animal Care and Control (FWACC) has increased its Live
Release Rate from 30% in past years to 94% in FY2019. This has
occurred due to partnerships between the City and nonprofits, including
HSNT.
1.1.2. Currently, most adoptable pets are being adopted or transferred to partner
organizations. Still, FWACC needs to find positive outcomes for other
adoptable pets.
1.1.3. FWACC Transport Program Background.
1.1.3.1. In addition to adoption and transfer to FWACC local partners,
transport of pets to areas with limited supplies of adoptable pets is
an opportunity to provide positive outcomes to many of the animals
impounded at FWACC.
1.1.3.2. In 2018, the North Texas Community Foundation (NTCF), at the
recommendation of Jean Walker, donated an adoption and
transport trailer to FWACC to enable more offsite adoption events
and to increase transport of animals to out-of-area receiving
organizations.
1.1.3.3. In January, 2019, FWACC began a pilot program to transport
animals to other areas funded by donations through a
Memorandum of Understanding between Ms. Walker, the City, the
NTCF, and the Silcox Foundation plus negotiated reimbursements
from receiving organizations.
1.1.3.4. In February, 2019, the NTCF, at the recommendation of Jean
OFF11CAL RECGR
Memorandum of Understanding C;°y,SEC E�tARY
City of Fort Worth and Humane Society of North Texas �� � °���•-�X
Walker, donated to FWACC a truck to tow the adoption and
transport trailer to increase transport of animals to out-of-area
receiving organizations.
1.1.3.5. In April, 2019, FWACC initiated a one-year pilot pet transportation
program, based upon the initial pilot program, funded by donations
from the NTCF, Saving Hope Foundation, and others. The pilot
program exceeded its one year goal of 1,800 pets transported and
did so under its projected budget.
1.1.4. Feral and Community Cats Background.
1.1.4.1. For a number of years, the City tested various feral cat programs to
address overcrowding and high euthanasia rates at the shelter. In
2012, following a number of widely attended public meetings, City
Council adopted Ordinance No. 20501-11-2012 allowing Trap
Neuter Return (TNR) by Fort Worth residents.
1.1.4.2. While the adoption of the ordinance permitted TNR, FWACC
continued to receive a large number of feral cats that were not
being rescued by non-profits, perpetuating overcrowding and a high
feline euthanasia rate. In response, the City actively sought out
grants for rescue groups and non-profits in an effort to change this
trend. While there was some positive outcome from this effort, the
City needed to explore other options.
1.1.4.3. Working with non-profits and community partners, the City
pioneered a new concept of Return to Field (RTF), a concept which
is now accepted as a model around the country. RTF recognizes
fewer than 2% of cats coming into a shelter are reclaimed by their
owners; therefore, all non-nuisance/age and health appropriate at-
large cats were exempted from a stray hold and were sterilized,
microchipped, vaccinated, ear-tipped and returned regardless of
whether they were friendly or feral.
1.1.4.4. In the fall of 2014, through partnerships with individuals and groups
interested in helping these cats, the City began a pilot program
processing feral and stray cats for TNR/RTF as capacity allowed.
Approximately 2,000 cats per year were processed through this
pilot program.
1.1.4.5. In the fall of 2016, the City held multiple public meetings to let the
community know that FWACC would no longer accept non-
nuisance feral cats but would work with citizens and community
groups to continue to mitigate nuisance issues and promote
TNR/RTF services through nongovernment processes and funds.
Cessation of the City's TNR services was related to the capacity of
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City of Fort Worth and Humane Society of North Texas
FWACC to provide these services through City funds, not the City's
commitment to TNR or to feral cats.
1.2. Purpose. This MOU represents the intent of the Parties to memorialize the
understanding of the Parties and their desire to improve positive outcomes for
dogs and cats in the City. The parties wish to collaborate, cooperate and
participate in various programs to improve animal welfare in the City. The
Parties acknowledge that no contractual relationship is created between them by
this MOU, but agree to work together to improve animal welfare in the City.
1.2.1. HSNT desires to work with the City to transfer dogs identified by FWACC,
including dogs at HSNT's shelter, to selected animal welfare organizations
in other areas. All HSNT dogs selected for transport will be transferred to
FWACC prior to transport.
1.2.2. HSNT desires to work with the City in a program to decrease feral and
community cats in Fort Worth.
SECTION 2
Program Funding
2.1. No Obligation of City Funds. This MOU is not an obligation or commitment of
City funds, nor a basis for transfer of City funds. All obligations of and
expenditures by each Party are subject to their respective entity's budgetary and
fiscal processes and availability of funds pursuant to all laws, regulations, and
policies applicable thereto.
2.2. Audit. Each Party shall have the ability to review, upon written request, for due
diligence and reporting purposes, financial, animal and other data related to the
programs described herein which is kept or managed by the other Party.
2.3. Transport Program Funding.
2.3.1. FWACC is committed to continuing the current funding model for
transportation operations whereby transport costs for fuel and routine
maintenance and repair of the vehicles are paid through donations and
grants directly to the City, including annual grants from PetSmart Charities,
Inc.
2.3.2. HSNT agrees to serve as fiscal agent for FWACC's Transport
Program by administering the receipt of funding and payment of
expenses associated with FWACC's Transport Program. Fuel and
vehicle costs will be funded by grants directly to the City and
administered by the City. All other transport related expenses will be
funded by donations and grants designated for the FWACC Transport
Program and administered by HSNT. HSNT is not providing any direct
funding for the FWACC Transport Program.
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City of Fort Worth and Humane Society of North Texas
2.3.3. Transport Program Grants, Donations and Reimbursements.
2.3.3.1. HSNT will receive certain grants and donations designated for the
FWACC Transport Program.
2.3.3.2. HSNT will receive any reimbursements from FWACC transfer
partners and will combine these funds with the grants and donations
designated for the FWACC Transport Program to support the
FWACC Transport Program.
2.3.3.3. HSNT shall maintain a separate accounting in its financial records
for all revenue and expenses associated with the FWACC Transport
Program and will provide necessary financial reports to FWACC,
upon written request from FWACC.
2.3.4. Any remaining or future funds may be used to:
2.3.4.1. Extend the FWACC Transport Program, or
2.3.4.2. Provide care and treatment to program dogs, which are dogs
identified for the Transport Program according to section 3.1.1.1. of
this MOU, as determined by FWACC to increase their opportunity
for adoption and/or transport, or
2.3.4.3. Other care and treatment of dogs identified by FWACC and
consistent with the purpose of this MOU.
2.3.5. Current non-vehicle expenses, which are expenses not covered by the City
under Section 2.3.1. of this MOU, include:
2.3.5.1. Drivers are paid $0.40 per mile based upon routes calculated using
Google Maps or similar mapping applications. The $0.40 per mile
is split between two drivers.
2.3.5.2. Drivers receive a per diem consistent with current US General
Services Administration rates. Current rates are $55 per day for
meals and incidentals and $94 for lodging.
2.3.6. The goal of the transport program funding is to transport 150 pets per
month or 1,800 pets per year.
2.4. Feral and Community Cat Funding
2.4.1. FWACC will fund the processing of cats in the Return to Field program.
This will include sterilization, microchipping, vaccination, parasite control
and other medical care through a $75,000 grant from the Petco
Foundation.
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City of Fort Worth and Humane Society of North Texas
2.4.2. HSNT will self-fund and manage the return of cats to the community
following processing by FWACC.
2.4.3. The goal of the feral and community cat funding is to process 150 cats per
month or 1,800 cats per year.
SECTION 3
Party Roles and Responsibilities
3.1. FWACC Transport Program
3.1.1. City.
3.1.1.1. FWACC will identify dogs from FWACC and HSNT for the program
in collaboration with FWACC transfer partners. Dogs from HSNT
will normally be limited to fewer than 20% of dogs on each trip
consistent with HSNT's limited role as fiscal agent for the program.
3.1.1.2. FWACC will schedule all transports in coordination with drivers and
FWACC transfer partners, including mapping of trip routes and
timetables.
3.1.1.3. FWACC, in consultation with other parties, will approve care,
treatment expenditure of funds for care, treatment and transport of
pets under this MOU.
3.1.1.4. FWACC, in consultation with other parties, will decide and control
final disposition of animals identified under this MOU.
3.1.1.5. The City will approve service providers including boarding facilities,
training facilities, foster homes, veterinary providers and transport
drivers.
3.1.2. HSNT.
3.1.2.1. HSNT will communicate to service providers the roles and
responsibilities of each party; specifically, the authority under this
MOU for FWACC to approve all expenditure of funds and determine
final disposition of all program animals.
3.1.2.2. HSNT will pay service providers from funds donated or granted
specifically for the FWACC Transport Program and from funds
reimbursed from FWACC transport partners.
3.2. Feral and Community Cats
3.2.1. City.
3.2.1.1. FWACC will work with HSNT and other community groups and
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City of Fort Worth and Humane Society of North Texas
residents to promote a city-wide Return to Field feral and
community cat program and educate residents on management of
feral and community cats in the community. FWACC will identify
the location of any cat impounded by animal control officers so the
cat can be returned to its natural habitat after sterilization.
3.2.1.2. FWACC will intake feral and community cats originating from within
City limits between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM on designated surgery
days.
3.2.1.2.1. Cats must be presented in traps and will be returned to traps.
3.2.1.3. Cats will:
3.2.1.3.1. Be surgically sterilized,
3.2.1.3.2. Vaccinated with FVRCP and Rabies,
3.2.1.3.3. Microchipped,
3.2.1.3.4. Treated for internal and external parasites,
3.2.1.3.5. One ear will be tipped,
3.2.1.3.6. Treatment of minor medical or surgical issues responsive to
single treatment care.
3.2.1.3.7. Euthanasia of sick/injured cats that cannot be humanely
released.
3.2.2. HSNT.
3.2.2.1. HSNT will work with FWACC and other community groups and
residents to promote a city-wide Return to Field feral and
community cat program and educate residents on management of
feral and community cats in the community.
3.2.2.2. HSNT will be responsible for picking up all processed cats in their
traps between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM the day following surgery.
Cats may be returned by residents, community groups, HSNT or
volunteers.
3.2.2.3. HSNT will be responsible for the return of all processed cats to the
location where they were trapped, if appropriate, or impounded by
FWACC. Cats may be returned by residents, community groups,
HSNT or volunteers.
[Signature Page Follows]
Memorandum of Understanding
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City of Fort Worth and Humane Society of North Texas
EXECUTED this 30 day of Ap ri` , 2020.
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
HUMANE SOCIETY OF NORTH TEXAS
-Gvr,7L
Susan Gulig(Apr 30, 20)
Susan Gulig
President
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Valerie Washington(Apr 30,2020)
Valerie Washington
Assistant City Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Christopher Austria(Apr30,2020)
Christopher Austria, Assistant City Attorney Contract Compliance Manager:
By signing I acknowledge that I am the person
(No M&C Required) responsible for the monitoring and administration of
` !` this contract, including ensuring all performance and
reporting requirements.
ATTEST: `
MAT Pv-f�
'� Tim Morton(Apr30,2020)
Mary Kayser, City Secretary Dr. Timothy Morton
OFFOCUA RECORD
CATT9 �(C
RETARY
FT WORTH, TX
Memorandum of Understanding
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City of Fort Worth and Humane Society of North Texas