Animal Control Shelter Committee
March 24, 2016
The Animal Control Shelter Committee met on March 24, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Morgan County Courthouse. Members present included Flo Bryant, Ginny Fanning, Bill Scott, Lyle Walker, and Mike Woodyard, and Citizens Anne Jackson and Carol Rieken.
Minutes from the February meeting were approved.
Demetria sent a report on the results of the survey she and Lyle completed. Bill Daggett with Shelter Planners reviewed the data. He estimated a rough cost to build in the amount of $700,000-$800,000. Mr. Daggett also reviewed pictures of the Canine Camp to see how it would compare to the survey results. He had concerns with the trench drainage system information for the kennels and would need more information about the HVAC system.
Mike provided information regarding grant opportunities that might be available through the federal government. Getting out of the floodplain will be a key factor in grant applications.
Bill suggested looking at city property next to the new dog park as a possible building site. The land might be given to the county similar to the property on Oak Street.
Discussion regarding steps going forward took place.
Bill and Ginny will meet with Marcy Patterson, Chairman of the City’s Parks and Lakes Department, to propose the possibility of building on park property. If Marcy is interested, she will be invited to the next Animal Control Shelter committee meeting to discuss this new direction.
In order to proceed, a building plan will be needed. Ginny will meet with the Animal Control staff to get a list of needs and wishes for a new building. Dusty Douglas, County Planner, provided a link for the Humane Society. On the site there was a packet for Shelter Design that contains good information about planning and building an animal shelter. Next a blueprint will be designed to get cost estimates and grant funding feasibility.
If people want to make contributions to a new shelter, they can send them to the County. There is a line item for the Howard Estate that is designated for the shelter and the money will be kept in that fund.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 21st, at 10:00 a.m. at the Courthouse. The meeting ended at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ginny Fanning