Last modified: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 11:44 AM PDT New Plymouth tackles cat population By Jennifer Colton - Argus Observer New Plymouth - Starting next month, you might not see as many stray cats on the streets of New Plymouth, thanks to a grant and 2nd Chance Pet Adoption in Fruitland. Barb Hutchinson, director of 2nd Chance, spoke about a $1,800 grant the shelter received to spay cats and the decision to implement the program in New Plymouth during the regular City Council meeting Monday night. The grant will supplement the cost to spay — not neuter — cats for $10 in lower income areas, Hutchinson said. “About 80 percent of the problems with cats come from 20 percent of the population,” Hutchinson said, stating the 20 percent involves pet owners in lower income brackets who cannot afford the $50 to $90 to spay their animals. Hutchinson said the group will handle 18 cats a quarter, targeting specific areas or taking reservations for the procedure. The first round of funding will be available in July. “That should make a difference and you’ll start noticing less cat problems,” she said. Also during the meeting, New Plymouth City Clerk Angela P’Pool said she had been contacted by a party interested in leasing the city-owned property around the wastewater lagoons. An individual currently rents the property on a one-year lease, and the council authorized accepting bids for the lease. “If we have multiple interests in it, I think it’s only fair we put it up for bid,” New Plymouth Mayor Scott Moscrip said. The council also approved a business license application for Stars & Stripes, a mobile food and drink unit, and set a second fiscal year 2007 to 2008 budget workshop for 6:30 p.m. Monday at New Plymouth City Hall.