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intent was not to imply that the administration is not constantly looking for ways to improve. She also clarified that the intent of the letter was to explain that there are more pressing staffing needs at this moment, and while there may be opportunities to shift the responsibilities of the ACO Supervisor, adding staff is not a priority. Councilmember Bullock responded that the goal of the proposal is to create capacity to enhance what we are doing and maybe the tool is not to add a position but to look at other means to do that. He suggested for the next budget year the aim could be to look for creative ways to leverage the volunteer expertise and enthusiasm to enhance shelter operations. Mayor George responded that they have been in communication with CCLAS and LASWAB and have recently formalized some operational improvements with their input. She also said that the City would love to have donations coming to the shelter and they are certainly open to continued dialogue about that and any other improvements. However, their focus today was the request for additional personnel, and they do not see that as a current need. In response to questions from Councilmember Kepple, Supervisor Crawford explained that currently the shelter is open Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and there is an ACO on duty Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30p.m. He said once they are fully staffed there will be an ACO on duty 7 days a week and the shelter hours will go back to regular hours. He also explained the difference between trapping a feral cat and taking in a lost domesticated cat. He said if someone is trapping a feral cat they should call the shelter first for instructions, and to make arrangements on when to bring the cat in. He also confirmed that he is going to the shelter on the weekends to feed and check on the animals. Councilmember Kepple asked what the anticipated process will be once the trap-neuter-release (TNR) application process is finalized. Mayor George responded that they are working on that now, but likely the applications will go through Supervisor Crawford first since he is the subject matter expert, and the Mayor will sign off on them. Supervisor Crawford also explained that the expired cats, listed in the data provided, are the trappedferal cats that cannot be adopted out. Councilmember Baker commented that bringing on the new ACO staff is a great opportunity to make sure we are delivering the best service to the public. He also said that he thinks we are hitting some trip wires that are taking us away from the point of the conversation, which is to examine these issues and determine if it is a worthy goal to try to get to. Chair Litten agreed that he heard some room to get past the semantics and come to an agreement to get the City closer to enhancing operations at the shelter within its financial means. Councilmember Marx commented that as the City moves closer to opening the new shelter, it needs to remain open to opportunities on how it might operate more efficiently and better. She also said she spoke to AFSCME and explained that Council is not looking to replace a union job, but to identify the staffing needs of the shelter. Meeting adjourned: 7:43 p.m. 3