ASAC Public Comment Insightful

Several Concho Valley PAWS volunteers provided public comment in yesterday's Animal Shelter Advisory Committee.  A PAWS foster volunteer submitted public information requests regarding spay/neuter enforcement.  She found:

"44 out of 650 pets provided proof of spay/neuter after impound.  Of the 606 unaltered 400 had a complaint filed and all had been released to owners.  206 are out there unaltered, more than the shelter's current capacity."

"In 2022 and 2023 (year to date) ten breeders permits were issued total, most to a single breeder of dogs that provides a high percent of shelter numbers. And they were issued to individuals who had an impounded dog."

A PAWS volunteer who fosters primarily large dogs reminded the committee of former Shelter Chief James Flores words before City Council when the mandatory spay/neuter ordinance passed on 2015.

"We have to do a better job with dogs running loose all over the community.  It's not just one or two neighborhoods anymore."

She encouraged promoting the city's spay/neuter and microchip requirements while upping enforcement.

A longtime PAWS board member closed the public comment.

"San Angelo has turned a blind eye to the plight of shelter animals far too long."

Concho Valley PAWS is the City of San Angelo's shelter contractor, responsible for veterinary care and adoptions.  The City also relies on PAWS for counseling for citizens wishing to surrender their pet to the Shelter (see above graphic). 

"...We can spay/neuter our way ou-t.  Humans created this situation and we must find a solution."

I found these comments interesting given my prior public information requests regarding shelter spay/neuter compliance.  City statistics showed vast numbers of unaltered animals entering and leaving the shelter (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021-2022.)  

"PAWS employs a licensed veterinarian to spay and neuter all shelter pets upon adoption."

An unaltered Husky gave birth to seven puppies on her third stay in the Animal Shelter.  The shelter and PAWS had two months to conduct spay/neuter surgery before the dog gave birth in June 2022.  Her puppies contributed to the gross shelter overcrowding condition. seen last year at this time.

PAWS stopped issuing low cost spay/neuter vouchers twice since it launched a public relations campaign on "being the change, spay/neuter your pet."  The first stoppage covered December 2022 and January 2023.  PAWS stopped again in July and is yet to restart the program as of today (also in above graphic).

I am glad other members of the community are using public information requests to obtain shelter data the city could easily provide.  It's ironic it's PAWS volunteers.  I consider PAWS complicit in the widespread release of unaltered shelter animals.  

PAWS Executive Director has said many times that all shelter pets had been spayed/neutered.  The focused audit started in the midst of the shelter crisis throws doubts on those assertions.  Results of the City Attorney's audit should be shared with Council and the community.

When the aim is not to serve, some information is best unshared.  As for the signposts to "the path to shelter intake" most say "Do Not Enter."

Update 8-19-23:  Here's another insightful comment from a longtime contributor in the animal welfare community:

For every one dog picked up by a Good Sam "program", there hundreds more without this safety net. We have no real animal control. City of San Angelo can not or will not pick up strays as needed, and won't let anyone bring them to the shelter, "let them roam" is the motto. It is virtually impossible for the average owner to surrender an unwanted pet to the city shelter. Almost no one can follow the proposed intake policy. Forms, appointments, counseling, waiting, etc. another euphemism for "program" that doesn't fly. So they are gonna end up being conveniently dumped in our streets. City powers and its exclusive vendor can continue to blame the irresponsible public instead of taking accountability for its own obligations according to state health codes.

Update 8-30-23:   City Council discussed an incident on Jackson Street over the weekend in which loose dogs killed at least one family pet, possibly more.  Shelter Chief Morgan Chegwidden spoke about data but failed to share any.  The Shelter added an office assistant to assit with data compilation.  One might expect the Shelter to share all "this data" with the public via the city's website.  That has not been the case.

Nature Center Closed After Top 5 Ranking in Parks Master Plan

San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter asked Parks Chief Carl White about budget priorities aligning with the 2020 Parks Master Plan.  She asked that this effort be undertaken in a City Council strategic planning session on May 26, 2023.  The Nature Center ranked in the Top 5 for Indoor Facilities Amenities.

Public Art ranked in the bottom three.  

City staff requested no funding for Nature Center improvements for the period 2023-2029.  On August 3rd the city issued a press release on the permanent closing of the Nature Center at 8:11 am.  

City Council meet nineteen minutes after that press release hit the wires.  Two young citizens gave public comment that morning opposing the closing.  Not one staff or council member explained the situation that led to the closing and why closing was the only alternative.

They certainly did not reference the Master Plan and how closing the Nature Center fit into that strategic framework.  The Mayor made a good suggestion and it would have helped the public understand why we lost the Nature Center.  

Years ago a different set of consultants worked to develop city land near Mary Lee Park.  Their conceptual plan had the Nature Center being relocated.  Lake Nasworthy development returns as a priority with the completion of the new sewer line.  

Should the Mayor ever get her parks meeting I don't expect city staff to talk about the closing of the Nature Center.  It's not in their nature.

Record Heat, Drought and Texas Water Rights

At least twice this summer residents along Spring Creek east of Mertzon experienced no creek flow for days at a time.  The reason was water rights users pulling water for irrigation purposes.  Once those users stopped pumping creek flow returned.  

Texas Commission for Environmental Quality (TCEQ) manages water resources in each major river watershed.  The Concho River and its tributaries have a Watermaster to manage water use. TCEQ has water flow models and its website refers to "environmental flows."  

For months I took pictures of diminished creek flow and emailed them to the Watermaster.  Replies included terms like:

 “We are monitoring the creek and will adjust diversions as needed.”

“Nobody is approved to pump until the creek has time to recover.”

“Restrictions are still in place.”

This language combined with "environmental flows" led me to believe water rights users could only pull a portion of available water with some designated to keep the estuary healthy.  The Watermaster tried to inform me I was incorrect. 

I contacted Representative Drew Darby with the aim of having the creek not stop again in the midst of a drought with record heat. He kindly called me that day.

Representative Darby explained the evolution of Texas water rights, noting its complexity.  He said that 100% of Texas water has a claim on it.  The state wanted some amount of water to go toward environmental flow, but the only water available was unclaimed water.  Thus the state designated that excess water over current claims as "environmental flow."

I was wrong in assuming "environmental flow" meant base flow to maintain the health of a waterway.  For those who remain confused, as I was, a better term might be "surplus water"  or "unclaimed water" vs. "environmental flow."  

Another way to view it, if the environment provides ample rains and water is abundant, you have environmental flow.

 

Rep. Darby said those with longtime water rights users have the ability to take 100% of creek flow for days at a time.  He said those taking the water have an obligation to use good agricultural practices so that water is used effectively.

The other aspect of water rights in Texas is "use it or lose it."  That distorts government budgets and may cause some people to use water when they might not otherwise.  

That said, I'm sure everyone is doing their best to make it through this record heat and nearly rain-less summer.  I've been praying for rain.  I'm counting on the Lord to eventually say yes and send life giving rains.  Until then, the creek may yet again run dry.

Update 8-24-23:  Day two of no flow in Spring Creek.  Contacted Watermaster to find out when flow might return.  No response yet. 

Update 9-9-23:  The creek stopped flow at least seven times thus far this summer.  Praying for God to send us some of that unclaimed water.

As for TCEQ, the Texas Tribune reported citizens' rights to challenge upstream pollution activity are limited.

Update 11-9-24:  Spring Creek had no flow from August 8 to September 2.  The creek stopped again November 4 and restarted the evening of November 7.

Headhunter on Job for New Water Utilities Director

The City of San Angelo hired Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to find its next Water Utilities Director.  Allison Strube announced her resignation on September 7, 2022 with it becoming effective the next day.  The City's Human Resources department sought qualified candidates for the last eleven months.  

City leaders chose to engage the same recruitment firm it is using to find a new Economic Development Director.  Assistant City Manager Michael Dane indicated two finalists in mid July, one year after Guy Andrews submitted his resignation.  This is the second round of candidates from SGR for the Economic Development position.  Candidates from the earlier round either withdrew or were not considered qualified.  As SGR's job is to find qualified candidates it is likely most or all candidates from that earlier round withdrew.

Oddly, the July 26th COSADC board meeting made no mention of that SGR search and the two finalists. Water and economic development are among the City's highest priorities.  Both searches are nearly a year old.  Let's hope they don't stretch to two years, the length of the City Engineer search.  That was finally filled with an internal candidate.  

Critical leadership positions have been or are currently difficult to fill.  City Council is in the midst of its strategic planning process and could shine light in this area.  Their next opportunity is August 11th at 8:30 am when the Council takes up Enterprise Funds.  

Citizens Surprised by Sudden Closing of Nature Center

Two young citizens shared their disappointment over the closing of the San Angelo Nature Center at today's City Council meeting.  The two testifiers enjoyed the center as they grew and volunteered for the organization.

They asked city leaders to reconsider the closing and explore fundraising and public-private partnerships.

Not one elected official responded to the concerns other than Mayor Gunter thanking them for their comments.  No paid city leaders offered a word on what most citizens found to be a sudden and shocking development.

Public Information staff removed most of its web pages regarding the Nature Center, however it remained in the description of the city's Recreation Department.

The Recreation Division manages facilities such as the City's three recreation centers, Municipal Pool, the San Angelo Nature Center and the Texas Bank Sports Complex. Additionally, Recreation is responsible for a host of programming, including Senior Services, Athletics, an aquatic program, summer day camps and special events like the annual Date Night.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes and agendas for 2023 make no mention of problems at the Nature Center. 

City Council is in the midst of its Strategic Planning sessions.  There has been no sharing of concerns at the Nature Center in Council planning sessions, this year or for the last several.

City Council members charged Parks Director Carl White to look ahead thirty years in planning for improvements at the River Stage.  Contrast that with today's news regarding the Nature Center and City Council's silence.  It closed without a peep.

The closing of the Nature Center removes one obstacle in developing the area around Mary Lee Park, a longtime goal of the city.  Once the new sewage line is in place the development doors should swing wide open.  

I commend the two young persons who rose to speak at City Council today.  It may be their first real lesson in civics.  Their suggestions deserve an answer.  

Update 8-10-23:  City Council minutes state:

Citizens Jason Davis (SMD5) and Cecile Goodman (SMD5) spoke against the closing of the San Angelo Nature Center.

And they received not one word in reply to their concerns and requests.

Millionaire Wins Millions from Pauper in Defamation Lawsuit

Respected businessman Lee Pfluger sued local citizen Zane White for defamation and won a $3.1 million judgment.  

I watched the City Council meetings on video and hope my page counts weren't used in assessing the fine as White's assertions made no impact on my regard for Mr. Pfluger.  

I'd hoped to read the four page judgment but the Tom Green County website indicated I lacked the appropriate permissions.  I did note an "affadavit of indigency" in the court record.

Pfluger indicated he sued in part to challenge the notion that the City of San Angelo is a corrupt institution.  He considers his victory vindication in that regard.  That may apply in this sad and tragic case but the city runs a vast operation.  

There are current and former city board members with questions about ethics and fairness (COSADC and TIRZ).  Fortunately, they have not been sued by influential local leaders.

Mr. White and several disability champions showed the public they can be demeaned by Council members and city managers for offering public comment.   Now there is a significant financial penalty for saying critical things on tape.

Congratulations to Mr. Pfluger on his win, although he never lost in my mind.

Update 7-11-23:  The TIRZ board recommended the city fund Mr. Pfluger's Angry Cactus expansion up to the maximum allowed ($75,000) should current funds allow.  Angry Cactus owner Tim Condon referred to Mr. Pfluger as his landlord.  The item will go to City Council for approval.

Update 8-5-23:  Council awarded Mr. Pfluger $72,294 minus the amount of accrued interest ($2,883).  Pfluger will receive $69,411.

 The charge to reduce the award was led by Mayor Gunter who owns a competing restaurant a block away.  The Mayor did not declare a conflict of interest and failed to recuse herself from discussing this agenda item.  The motion passed 7-0, including the Mayor's yes vote.

Concho Valley PAWS Skips Spay Neuter Vouchers for July (add August)

For the third time in the last eight months Concho Valley PAWS will not be offering low cost spay neuter vouchers to the public.  PAWS indicated via Facebook it would not issue vouchers in July, having missed December 2022 and January 2023.  The program was relaunched in February after funding and contract agreements had been finalized.

PAWS dedicated veterinarian Dr. Victor Schulze recently left the organization.  PAWS SNIP Clinic is one of four sites accepting the vouchers.  It's not clear if his departure impacted the decision to not offer vouchers.

The City of San Angelo Animal Shelter contracts with PAWS for adoption and veterinary services.  The shelter has a separate contract with Dr. Schulze for state mandated services.  The city's website has no information about any changes in operations for shelter pets needing veterinary care.  

Shelter Chief Morgan Chegwidden and PAWS Executive Director Jenie Wilson have assured City Council multiple times that shelter pets are being spayed/neutered.  

Those assurances were called into question by a focused audit of unaltered shelter pets conducted by the City Attorney's office.  The city issued citations to adopters who'd failed to spay/neuter their shelter pet.  The results of that audit are yet to be presented to City Council or the public.

Pets Alive encourages shelters to be very forthcoming with information.  That has not been the case with the City Animal Shelter or its adoption/veterinary service contractor Concho Valley PAWS. 

City Council chose not to devote any funding to low cost spay neuter for the current fiscal year despite staff's recommendation to allocate $10,000.  The Animal Shelter Advisory Committee has requested Council consider devoting funds for this purpose but that has not yet made it on the agenda.

Update 8-3-23:  PAWS website currently states:

Vouchers are currently sold out.  Please check back in August for availability.

Update 8-16-23:  PAWS has not changed the information on their website.  It still states "check back in August for availability." 

Update 8-30-23:  PAWS provided no information on future low cost spay/neuter opportunities for citizens in their Concho Valley Homepage article.  Their website still says "check back in August."  There is one day left in the month.

The story is titled from "streets to loving homes."  Sadly, for some pets it's "streets to streets."  San Angelo has become third world in terms of loose animals, many unaltered, and some aggressive.  Councilman Tom Thompson's November 2022 direction that the shelter can cap the pet population turned a low response shelter into nearly a no response facility.

Update 9-4-23:  PAWS posted on their Facebook page that SNIP vouchers would again be available come September 10th.  This is the second two month period in the last nine months where PAWS provided no low cost spay/neuter vouchers.  I updated this post's title with (add August).

Update 9-20-23:  Concho Valley Homepage reported PAWS new facility, the Stephens Dog Dorms will open after it receives an occupancy permit.  In April 2021 CVH reported:

Currently under construction is the Stephens Dog Dorms which will house adoptable dogs awaiting adoption.