ANALYSIS:
Mary Thinglestad, board member of the Animal Welfare Committee and founder of SoBe Cats Spay and Neuter Inc., a non-profit organization that dedicates its efforts through volunteer work to trap, spay/neuter, and return (TNR) of City of Miami Beach community cats for the Cat Network Inc., has been in conversations with City staff with regards to this motion.
Ms. Thinglestad currently has a donor who is willing to contribute $375,000 towards the purchase of a property to be used as a cat adoption and recovery center. There had been a 2,000 square foot building which could be used for this purpose, which was formerly a dentist office, located at 1137 71st Street, one block west from the Normandy Fountain and one block east from Pets and Vets. It had been for sale for $750,000.
During a preliminary inspection by the City's Property Management's staff, it was determined that the facility would need to undergo repairs estimated at about $50,000. The request from SoBe Cat would be to have the donor contribute with $375,000 towards the purchase of the property, and the City contribute with the remaining $375,000 plus the $50,000 for the repairs. There was also a consideration at leasing the property to them for a term of 10 years plus a 5 year renewal.
The Cat Network Inc. currently receives funds from a grant sponsored by Pet Smart Charities Inc. in the amount of $15,000 to assist with spay and neutering of City of Miami Beach community cats, along with a City contribution of $5,000. These services are currently conducted at a trailer leased by the City. The purchase of a facility would allow for services at a more permanent location without the concern of a lease renewal or having to relocate.
Unfortunately, the facility at 1137 71st Street is no longer an option as the property owner has taken it off the market. Additionally, budgets for Fiscal Year 2019 have already been allocated and the consideration to purchase any pet adoption facility this year would require a capital budget amendment as well as a funding source to be identified.
The City have been in conversations with Miami Dade County and they have expressed interest in providing assistance with the TNR program for services including: hospital on wheels for surgeries, a veterinarian to conduct surgeries, medications, vaccinations and trapping services, via a request from a City for a future spay and neuter event. Miami Dade County has also offered possible grant assistance for TNR services through an application process.