After my discussions with Chief Middleton, Mayor Zimmerman and Captain Gutierrez, it is my opinion that no one is really managing the Menifee contract for City Ordinance 218-252 with Animal Control. I came to that conclusion because no one could give me factual numbers, or proactive processes that were being done. 

I wrote a 4 pages memo outlining the problems, some of these raised during my conversations, and others from the lack of clarity in our City Ordinance 252-218. I also included proposed solutions, using my extensive background in senior level management, dealing with contracts delegation and working for the government. 

I sent this memo to Captain Gutierrez and Mayor Zimmerman on 7/2/23. The Mayor responded on the same day. Copy of the email response can be found at the end of this update.

Surprising to me there is another party involved with this City Ordinance who needs to be brought up to date, City Manager Armando Villa. No one had mentioned him before. 

I am waiting to hear back from the Mayor on the timeframe and from whom I should hear back. I will keep you all updated.

It is also my opinion that the reason it is taken time and the issues raised are moving through so many hands is because there are no set monthly meetings or scorecards on the contract to manage City Ordinance 218-252. As such no one really knows what is happening. Maybe the City Manager will have clear answers.

The one thing through this process is that I appreciate Mayor Zimmerman for being open minded and responding timely. It has not been my experience with the other parties involved so far, which leads me to believe that the dogs in our City are not a priority. This is my personal observation so far. I feel that this Mayor does care and is helping this petition to move through the proper ranking. Without this Mayor, it would have been extremely difficult for me to deal with Animal Control and other parties who did not seem as open minded. 

Let's keep the fight until we get answers. The dogs in our City deserve it.  

Hello Ms. Gagliano,

Thank you for your email message.
I appreciate your good communication.
Your suggestions have merit.

I will share your message with Menifee's City Manager and ask for his team to assist.
I will request that he communicate with Capt. Gutierrez and AFV Chief Middleton and look for opportunities for improvement going forward.