Citizen survey will inform third-party review of Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control

CEDAR RAPIDS — The city of Cedar Rapids is seeking citizen feedback on its Animal Care & Control operations as it works to chart the department’s future.

An online survey, which opens Tuesday, will run through the end of the month to help determine the shelter’s strengths and weaknesses as a part of an ongoing third-party review of all Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control operations.

Survey answers will be collected anonymously at CityofCR.com/CRACCSurvey, and the results will be compiled alongside additional independent findings from Matrix Consulting Group, a third-party consultant hired to complete the review.

We really want “to be able to push that survey to get as much feedback as possible from all the stakeholders we interact with,” Mike Casella, innovation and customer service manager with the city, said at Monday’s Public Safety and Youth Services Committee meeting.

The city launched the operational review this summer following ongoing staffing issues at the city-run shelter, irregular hours and other operational concerns.

The shelter is also now undergoing several repairs to address issues identified during a summer inspection by the state’s Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship such as roof leaks, ceiling damage and mold.

Casella said work is ongoing to address those concerns via mold remediation, ceiling tile replacement and other building updates.

“One other update … is what we’re working on for volunteering,” he added. “We have over 230 (interested volunteers) on file with approved background checks, so we’re really trying to tap into that resource and say ‘How can we start to work with those individuals … to help alleviate some of the stress from the various staff members’ day-to-day activities’.”

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The city has also hired additional staff to assist with day-to-day operations, although it is currently without a permanent director. Former shelter director Rachel Smith held that role until late August but has since filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the city.

The Matrix review will cover all aspects of the shelter operations using the community survey, findings from recent site visits, one-on-one interviews with staff, and feedback from nearly a dozen animal welfare organizations who work with the shelter.

The final report will provide an overview of all Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control operations, as well as identify any immediate improvements and/or long-term investments needed to maximize future performance.

The results are expected to be compiled and presented publicly before the Cedar Rapids City Council by the end of the year.

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