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Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - October 5, 1992 Page - 3 - PUBLIC COMMENTS (continued) Council Member Myers said he understands everyone's emotions were running high. He said he has asked City staff to work with In Defense of Animals to develop a program to control the squirrels in the future. He said it is important to work together, that no one wanted this to happen, and a positive flow should begin. Council Member Corbett said she felt the characterization of the City Council as animal haters was unfortunate. She said this was an extremely difficult decision, but the City had to consider public safety and health issues. She said the City hopes never to have to do this again, and it is important to look toward the future. She noted the signs requesting that people not feed the animals have been in place for some time but are not effective. F. Connie Cwymer, 1240 Park Street, Alameda, expressed her sadness about what happened when the animals began to die. She said birds were stricken by the poison and nothing could be done to help them. She said the sight of the dying animals was extremely frightening to users of the area. She said staff from the Agricultural Department did not think the poison would affect birds. She said the squirrels were killed by zinc phosphate poisoning, which is extremely painful . She said she hopes the City will work with In Defense of Animals. G. Jim Gitelli , 632 Begier Avenue, said he felt the City had a cavalier attitude and, although they say they want to work with people in the future, he did not feel they needed to act so quickly in this case. He said he volunteers for the SPCA, which receives most of its funding through donations and fundraiser activities. He said because of the poisoning in the area the SPCA Run was canceled, which means a great reduction in funds. He said, when it comes time to vote, he will take a hard look at the candidates who are running who have been involved in this matter. Council Member Corbett said Dr. Katz' plan was reviewed. She noted that one of the problems was that the program had already been delayed and pushed back three weeks. She said, if it had been pushed back any farther, the animals would have gone into hibernation. She noted that people were walking their dogs at the Alzheimer's Walk, which was held on Saturday. H. Anna Joe, 14244 Ivy Court, said the community should know what is happening. She said people were very upset. She said Canada and Europe have birth-control programs to control squirrel populations. She said the squirrels are important to people and that's why they go out to the area.