Valley Oak SPCA on a short leash
Danielle A Martin
Visalia Times-Delta
The Valley Oak SPCA was thrown a bone after the shelter nearly shuttered on Jan. 1.
"We've been told for the last year or two that the SPCA has been trying to find a home, it's just taken longer than expected," Visalia's Mayor Warren Gubler said. "We're giving them six more months."
Valley Oak SPCA couldn't be more pleased with the council's response to grant them a six-month, month-to-month lease extension.
"We are very grateful the city was willing to work with us and allow us to stay six more months," said Joni Flores, Valley Oak SPCA board president. "I've had a lot of great conversations with city council members and the city managers and feel we are all on the same team of wanting to combat the pet overpopulation problem in Visalia."
For several years, the SPCA handled all of the city's animal control. In 2015, after the animal care center was built, the animal control officers and the shelter operations were transferred to the city.
"We went in-house with animal control under Mario Cifuentez," Gubler said. "The SPCA still handles adoptions, spay and neuter and animal education."
In the meantime, the SPCA could use portions of the city's facility to shelter larger animals until an alternative site was ready. But, the SPCA's lease termination date was held firm for Dec. 31, 2016, regardless if a new facility was built.
The SPCA purchased property near Goshen and Plaza, have blueprints for their permanent facility and are working with contractors on bids but they are lacking the money to start the project.
"We have been very blessed to receive many donations the last couple of months," Flores said. "This is a big project, so every dollar counts. We still have a lot to raise."
VOSPCA's plan and council's approval
The SPCA approached the council with a proposed plan, asked for an additional four months to stay on the city's property while they find a temporary facility.
Visalia city councilman Steve Nelsen said he appreciated their proposal but thought their three-month plan was bit far-fetched.
He questioned the organization's time management, saying they had two years to figure out what to do before their last lease agreement was up.
While Nelsen has confidence in the organization he said, "Only time will tell if they can make it work."
The council unanimously granted the organization four months with an addition 60 days. This was to ensure the nonprofit had efficient time to acquire the proper permits and build its facility.
The lease extension, agreed upon by the city council at Monday's meeting, set up specific guidelines for the SPCA's transition.
Here are the guidelines they must meet over the next six months:
The SPCA must find a new space for their administration.
A monthly report on the status of the new facility must be submitted by the fifth of every month
No new animals can be received as of March 31.
The SPCA must relocate (adopt out) any remaining animals by June 30.
"The entire council was on board to extend them the courtesy amount of time," Nelsen said. "The changes have been made and if they are focused, I'm hopeful they will meet their deadline."
Gubler agreed.
"Gradually this gives them six months to find homes for their animals," he said. "The ball is in their court."
The SPCA said as long as everything goes according to plan, they should be moved out and into their own facility within the time frame.
"Moving is our top priority right now not just because our lease is up, but to have a better environment for our staff and animals," Flores said. "The board have all stepped up and is working with management to ensure we stay on track."
While most of their work is done by volunteers, Flores said their two staff members can work from home or their low-cost Spay and Neuter Clinic.
"It's not ideal, but we can make it work for a few months," Flores added.
The lease extension is also said to bring in $2,272.50 to the Airport Enterprise fund over the next several months.
Gubler joked the rent won't be sending any city officials into early retirement, but the city always appreciates the revenue.
The property Valley Oak currently sits on doesn't have future project plans, which is why the city council was able to grant the lease extension, Gubler said.
"I'm a big supporter of the Valley Oak SPCA," Gubler said. "They've done wonderful work and have been around for years."
Dine to donate all day Jan. 12 at Panda Express, 4134 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia.
Dine to donate from 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Jan. 28 at Chipotle Mexican Grill at 4219 Mooney Blvd. Suit B, Visalia.
Low-cost vaccination and microchip clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 4 at Rawhide stadium.