At the invitation of North Branford’s Town Council, representatives of the Town of East Haven and its animal control and shelter program have outlined services which could be provided to North Branford, should the council decide to enter into a municipal use agreement in which East Haven would provide shelter facility and animal control services to North Branford.

The East Haven proposal equates to an annual cost savings of approximately $15,000 vs. North Branford’s current arrangement with the Town of Branford. Additionally, unlike the agreement with Branford, the East Haven proposal does not obligate North Branford to pay capital expense costs for shelter facility expansion or renovations.

Currently, North Branford has a municipal use agreement for animal control and shelter services with the Town of Branford and its Daniel P. Cosgrove Animal Shelter. The North Branford-Branford municipal agreement has been in place since 2005.

The council’s review of potential new partnerships with other municipalities was largely spurred on during the Cosgrove shelter expansion project which was approved for bonding by the Town of Branford in 2020. In July, 2021, Branford sent over a proposed amendment to the municipal agreement’s capital costs provision which sought to help lessen North Branford’s share of the capital expense cost (one-third of gross, paid over 15 years) by incorporating any project fundraising money. The shelter’s fundraising efforts generated $1.6 million to help offset the cost of the expansion/renovation project, which was completed earlier this year at a cost of $4.895 million.

Branford’s proposed capital cost provision amendment is similar to the language of the current operating expense agreement, amended in 2020. The amended operating expense language allows North Branford to pay one-third of operating net expenses, after revenue provided by shelter programs, such as its animal camps, is factored in. In 2020, North Branford paid $131,000 to the Town of Branford for shelter operating expenses.

East Haven’s Proposal

Following previous discussions with North Branford Town Manager Michael Downes, East Haven’s proposal for partnership was presented to the Town Council on April 6 by Michelle Benivegna, East Haven’s Director of Administration & Management/Economic Development. She was joined by East Haven Animal Control Officer (ACO) and Shelter Director Emily Higgins.

Benivegna said the municipal partnership proposal involves content areas very similar to those North Branford has with the Town of Branford.

“Based on your budget from your current year, 2022-23, there’s about a $15,000 annual savings in what we’re proposing to you,” said Benivegna.

Regarding annual service call numbers reported by Branford and used for the East Haven proposal, Downes said, to put it diplomatically, he had “low confidence;” noting it took him two months to get the numbers, which are mandated to be filed with the state Department of Agriculture on behalf of North Branford.

Benivegna told the council the East Haven proposal was crafted to address what she also described as “some uncertainty of the numbers.”

“There was some uncertainty of the numbers that were reported from Branford on your behalf towards calls reported for services for animal care; so we have done a two-year agreement with one full year of service; and then within that first six months of the second year, we would revisit the agreement, check the numbers of calls to make sure that the dollar amount we’re requesting is comparable to the services you’re receiving. We’d be more than happy to increase or decrease, however it is reflective of the services that you are needing from our town.”

One difference in the East Haven proposal which Benivegna stressed is that there is no obligation for North Branford to assume any costs or percentage cost associated with East Haven shelter facility improvements or expansion.

“We have no plans on expanding. We have ample space,” said Benivegna.

“It’s a service agreement, correct?” asked Mayor Jeffrey Macmillen. “You’re providing a service, we’re paying you for that service.”

“Exactly,” answered Benivegna.

Within the cost proposed to North Branford, East Haven is including an additional shelter employee, to bring the current total of three employees up to four. Following the first year of the agreement, a 4% annual increase would cover subsequent funding provisions for annual contractual (union) costs. East Haven’s ACO’s function under supervisors’ union contracts and are not part of the police officers’ union.

Macmillen inquired as to when it would be necessary for an East Haven ACO to require the assistance of a North Branford police officer. Benivegna responded that the only time East Haven police have become involved in ACO calls is when dispatch or the ACO vehicle’s onboard computer flags a challenging person or history at the call address.

Macmillen noted that it was his understanding that, with the current agreement with Branford, “... if we have situation that needs to be mitigated, currently our service provider requires an officer to come take care of the situation. It’s obviously another time commitment for a busy police department.”

East Haven’s Program

Benivegna introduced the program’s mission to play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of animals, working with compassion and professionalism. She addressed its commitment to working with the community and other agencies; as well as offering programming and education as part of its goal to be an exemplary municipal shelter.

Higgins provided an overview of the shelter, located on Silver Sands Road in an industrial park. The shelter has 20 dog pens with inside and outside access, including radiant floor heating and cooling. Sanitized, hammock-style bedding allows off-the-floor respites in every kennel, stainless steel bowls and stainless steel kennel doors are in use for further sanitization. A large wire kennel in the staff office area allows dogs to be cycled into a setting where they can become acclimated to people, sounds and other interactions.

The shelter has a large cat room area for cats to stretch out in and to take in outdoor views from a newly installed window; as well as 16 individual, stainless steel cat cages. Repainting in the dog kennel has brought in brightly colored walls and an artist’s mural will soon be added to the cat room as well. The shelter also has a pavilion for meet-and-greets and exercise space. An obstacle course on the site was built by a local Boy Scout troop.

Towels and other items are cleaned daily with a new washer and dryer. New building siding makes the shelter more energy efficient. Overhead garage doors can be opened in good weather. In a separate shed on the site, the shelter also hosts an animal food pantry for residents and others in need of pet food and products. Every couple of months, the Connecticut mobile spay and neuter van will park at the East Haven animal shelter to provide services for low cost. East Haven is the only municipal shelter where the van parks regularly for such services, said Higgins.

Benivegna noted North Branford resident Owen Little, a former East Haven Animal Control Chief of over 30 years, has returned from retirement as a part-time employee. Like the other shelter employees, he is passionate about his work, she said.

“We’d be lost without him,” said Benivegna. “A lot of the growth of our animal shelter is because of his dedication and love for the animals in our town.”

Councilman Nicholas Palladino, a former East Haven police officer, said Little was well-respected in town.

“Words can’t describe the service he provided to that town, how well he worked with us. We never had any issues with animal control, and I’d imagine it’s the same now,” said Palladino.

Following the night’s presentation, the council was set to continue its review of the East Haven proposal.

The April 6 presentation took place during a special meeting and budget workshop of the Town Council. It was live-streamed by Totoket TV and can be viewed in its entirety on Totoket TV’s Facebook page.