Council to reconsider feral cat voucher program

Perhaps those who trap feral cats and use a voucher from the city to turn them over to the Humane Society of Yuma, where the cats often are euthanized, may instead put that voucher to another use.

Twice it's been suggested to the council during call to the public that people have the option of using the vouchers toward the cost of sterilizing the cats.

It's a suggestion that the council will discuss at this week's work session. The meeting will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers at Yuma City Hall, One City Plaza.

When the city took on animal control within the city on Jan. 1, it began offering a Feral Cat Trap and Voucher Program. The program allows Yuma residents to check out a cat trap at the Animal Control Services office, located in Yuma Police Department's lobby at 1500 S. 1st Ave., free for two weeks to capture feral cats around their homes or businesses.

Residents can bring the trapped animal to a animal control officer for inspection to make sure it isn't part of a trap, neuter and release program, and to see if it is microchipped with identification.

Then the person will be given a voucher to present to the Humane Society to cover the cost the organization would normally charge to take the cat.

In addition to Tuesday's work session, the council will hold its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the council chambers. Action items before the council include:

• Approve a special event liquor license application on behalf of Caballeros de Yuma for the Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival to be held from 1 to 9 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Ray Kroc Complex, 3500 S. Avenue A.

• Approve a person transfer of a liquor license application submitted by Faris Putrus Jamo, agent for Valley Market Liquor, 3840 W. 24th St.

• Ratify a contract increase of $23,049 to Yuma Valley Contractors for the Engler Avenue water main extension project after a change order increased the cost.

• Authorize the rezoning of properties at 1806 W. 8th St. from general commercial/high-density residential to general commercial.

• Amend the city's Zoning Code to add a section regarding placement permits for park models.

Complete agendas for both meetings are available on the city's website at yumaaz.gov. Council meetings and work sessions are broadcast live on Time Warner Channel 73.