General Meeting Minutes - July 2024

Time: 6:30PM - 7:30PM

Location: The Gathering Place, Rangely, CO

MEETING MINUTES

Lisa- A preliminary sketch for the "new proposed shelter" was distributed, with plans to build in phases due to the estimated costs ranging between $800,000 and $3,000,000. The annual budget is $100,000, and the non-profit organization can secure additional funds through matching grants. Jocelyn, the town’s engineer, is overseeing the design and grant applications. Lisa mentioned that a Spay & Neuter grant needs to be applied for by a non-profit organization, which could benefit the town. She noted that few architectural firms specialize in animal shelters and that the designs shared was provided by Animal Arts in Boulder, CO. She also discussed the importance of matching grant funds, confirming that the town will consistently offer a match, but 4R Animals would need to apply for their portion of the matching funds. Additionally, Katelyn has set up Amazon wish lists to support the shelter's current needs.

Raquel-Talked about the ways 4R Animals can support the shelter, through grants, donations, marketing, etc.

Ti- Spoke about updating policies in the shelter for volunteers & fosters. Also spoke about adoption events and that the shelter is looking to expand adoption opportunities from Rangely into Vernal, etc. Mentioned that the police department will allocate manpower towards the adoption events (transferring the animals, etc.) with sufficient notice ahead of time so they can plan accordingly to avoid using over time hours.

Raquel- mentioned she has a good connection with Ashley Valley Cats that could really help out the Shelter.

Lisa- Educating people about the process of getting and caring for a puppy, making informed decisions. Currently the shelter is over its max capacity and out of compliance.

Haley- Marketing 4R Animals towards education and getting the message out about adoptable dogs. Social Media can be a free resource to help get the word out about these animals. Seen ideas like shelters partnering with high school cross country teams to take the dogs out running once a week, etc.

Raquel- Important for 4R Animals  to know accurate information on where the town’s plans are with a new animal shelter or changes being made so we know what to say when the public asks.

Christen- Looked at the twenty year comprehensive master plan published by the town for 2024-2044 and did not see anything about an animal shelter. Lisa said "Well, to be honest with you, we have thought about it, but it's not something we discussed when Robin was working on that, so it just wasn't part of it."

Kelly- talked about the possibility of partnering with Meeker shelter and was curious if they are in the same place that Rangely shelter is in (but the group discussed that Rio Blanco County does not want to be involved either through planning or financially). Ti said it would be worth reaching out to see if they wanted to tackle the animal abandonment issue county wide.

Group- discussed various marketing strategies and fundraising ideas. Raquel suggested emphasizing that the organization is the same group with a new name, helping the community understand its continuity. For fundraising, Christen proposed a movie screening of Good Boy, with proceeds split 50/50 with the filmmaker. Raquel mentioned involving a tattoo artist friend, who is also a former K9 trainer from a Utah shelter, in a K9 training fundraiser. Lisa added that a book signing with a local author could be another option. They also discussed participating in Septemberfest and Oktoberfest events, as well as hosting a Sheep Dog Agility Course Trial. The group considered raising funds specifically to cover adoption fees for shelter animals.

Tammy- possibly asking local businesses to sponsor adoption fees for predetermined groups of people (veterans, senior citizens, etc. with an application process and standards attached/ relinquishment fee). 

Chris- Foster training for potential fosters for proper animal care (currently there is a process in place where people can opt in to foster first before solidifying adoption-like a trial period).

Linda- talked about needs for the animal shelter (all listed on amazon list).

Haley- asked about the shelter website URL that we could link via 4R Animals social media pages. Lisa stated they have their own website and that it is run through the town of Rangely website.

Tammy- Talked about posting photos herself through her personal accounts for better outreach. 

Christen- Dogs are more adoptable when they aren’t stressed by confinement. A well exercised dog is more relaxed and happy. Their current confinement is stressful and unhealthy for the animals. 

Kelly- asked about the current space outside of the shelter and if there is enough land to build a few runs/ enclosures that would allow the dogs to be outside more often. The current dogs are in crates, not kennels, they are confined in way too small of spaces.

Tammy- Raised concerns about staffing issues at the shelter and the need for consistent scheduled hours. She inquired about the frequency and timing of staff presence at the shelter but was unable to get a clear answer. Tammy also questioned how much time the animals are truly given outside of their cages, noting that they currently spend up to 20 hours a day confined to small spaces. She highlighted the requirement that staff must be present for volunteers to assist or even be on-site at the shelter.

Lisa- Stated that the shelter has more staffing than they had ever had and when Haley asked if they had it in the budget to add in an additional part time employee she said "I can't devote that much manpower to the shelter".

Ti- Offered to help coordinate manpower at the shelter, suggesting that if a large enough volunteer team is organized, they could arrange to walk all the dogs at once. To make it work, Ti would need advance notice to adjust scheduling, with a minimum of five or more volunteers available at a time.

Raquel- Suggested giving a small gift to Katelyn as a gesture of support to show the group’s goodwill and collaborative intent. She also proposed organizing outings at Sunrise Park and setting up recurring meetings, with Megan and the ladies' hiking group potentially volunteering to help get the dogs outside. Additional ideas included a petting zoo event for seniors to help socialize the dogs. Raquel also offered potential meeting spaces at the hospital or the chamber.

Kelly C- talked about priorities at this time for the upcoming month- getting a scheduled group of volunteers, looking at funding for spay & neutering, looking at getting fencing built, and being a presence for any adoption events.

Ti- Suggested that the best way to maintain communication with the shelter would be to add both him and Katelyn to the meeting agendas so they can attend regularly and engage with the group. He noted that having them present consistently would strengthen the partnership. For addressing concerns, Ti recommended a structured approach: start with Katelyn, then escalate to him, then Lisa, and, if further action is needed, take the issue to the town council.

Christen- "At the last adoption event, I told Katlyn if she got Amelia groomed, I would pay for it. She acknowledged, and never contacted me after. Amelia had feces and urine trapped in her matted fur on her behind, festering. She was not cared for properly." That issue was never brought to Ti or Lisa at all, Ti said he will have a conversation with Katelyn about it, and if anyone ever witnessed something like that again to alert him immediately. 

Chris- Newsletter, Dog of the Month, Training Tips, Door Direct, Chamber Rack Cards.

Christen- asked Lisa how she felt about us posting pictures of the current shelter to assist in fundraising and that idea was shot down because of how it would reflect poorly on the town. 

Christen- Meeting Adjourned