The City Council is set to appoint an oversight committee for the Animal Control division, which deals with the city’s ubiquitous feral cat, raccoon, opossum and other wild animal populations.

Legislation to introduce an ordinance to form the committee narrowly passed (5-4) at the June 3 City Council meeting.

Council members Mariano Vega, Phillip Kenny, Bill Gaughan and Willie Flood voted against the introduction. Vega and Kenny said they had yet to review the documents, which were handed out yesterday.

“The document is flawed,” Gaughan said. “Without the consent of the director and state licensing part…we want to do this right.”

He cited Harry Melendez, director of Health and Human Services, who says state supervisions already exist, with ad hoc committee appointments optional, if necessary.

Councilman Steven Fulop argued, “It’s based on community involvement and you are proposing to vote ‘no.’ A vote of ‘no’ means we don’t want you.”

City lawyers had previously argued to replace a draft ordinance that the city deemed would take power from the executive branch. The wording in the new ordinance makes the advisory board a “committee” as opposed to a “commission.” Membership would go from 19 to 13.

Additionally, the committee disbands on June 30, 2010, with no renewal clause.

Residents have long expressed concerns over stray animals roaming the city.

At a previous meeting, one resident told council members she was afraid to let her cats out due to the feral animal population around her property.

A hearing before the ordinance passes will be held at the June 17 meeting.