Trap-Neuter-Return Program Documentation
Dear Bloomfield Township,
This is a request for public records made under OPRA and the common law right of access. I am not required to fill out an official form. Please acknowledge receipt of this message.
If your municipality does not support or have a program for Trap-Neuter-Return ("TNR") of feral cats, please state as much to close the request.
Records requested:
1. Copy of current municipal agreement with TNR vendor; if TNR is provided by municipal manpower, please indicate by whom.
2. Written protocol and procedures for implementation of the TNR program and how residents are to access TNR services
3. Copy of budget/ledger showing funds allocated and spent on the TNR program for years 2022 and 2023 (as applicable).
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Elizabeth Mattfield
The Township of Bloomfield received your Open Public Records Act (OPRA)
Request on April 10, 2023. As such, the seven (7) business day deadline
to respond to your request is April 19, 2023. This response to your
request is being provided to you on the 3^rd business day after the
Township’s receipt of said request.
The following records is being provided by the Township responsive to your
request:
• From the Township’s Animal Control Department: See below. Also
attached are invoices for the TNR.
• There is no current municipal agreement with a TNR vendor although it
is provided by a volunteer group CPAWNJ website CPAWNJ.org on a
regular basis and they are reimbursed through the township for TNR
services. CPAW contact is Amanda Ondrof [1][email address]
#978-868-834
• Bloomfield Animal Control has assisted CPAWNJ in certain instances
although we do not provide the service specifically through animal
control
• These are the policies and protocols listed under the township
ordinance for feral cats ( see attached
link). [2]https://www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com/Document...
• [3]Residents are directed to the website CPAWNJ.Org through the animal
shelter or animal control call inquiries about feral cat issues they
may be having. With each being evaluated by an ACO on a case by case
basis.
** Personal Information has been redacted in accordance with the OPRA
statute N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.
These records are being transmitted to you via email, as per your request.
If your request for access to a government record has been denied or
unfulfilled within the seven (7) business days required by law, you have a
right to challenge the decision by the Township of Bloomfield to deny
access. At your option, you may either institute a proceeding in the
Superior Court of New Jersey, or file a complaint with the Government
Records Council (GRC) by completing the Denial of Access Complaint Form.
You may contact the GRC by toll-free telephone at 866-850-0511, by mail at
P.O. Box 819, Trenton, New Jersey, 08625, by e-mail at
[4][email address], or at their website at [5]www.state.nj.us/grc.
The GRC can also answer other questions about the law. All questions
regarding complaints filed in the Superior Court should be directed to the
Court Clerk in your County.
Andrea Schneider
Confidential Secretary
Township of Bloomfield
Municipal Clerk’s Office
973-680-4014
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. https://www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com/Document...
3. https://www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com/Document...
4. mailto:[email address]
5. http://www.state.nj.us/grc
Dear Andrea,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply and information responsive to my request.
My nonprofit is attempting to make information available to residents regarding TNR in their towns, while also encouraging them to fund their own TNR where possible if they have demands beyond what towns are offering in terms of free or reduced cost services.
Your responses allow us to share information that is accurate and objective as opposed to hearsay on social media. We also hope that it reduces the number of redundant requests to custodians of records.
Thank you again for your assistance and have a wonderful weekend.
Yours sincerely,
Elizabeth Mattfield