Over a dozen citizens stepped up to the microphone to voice their concerns over the future of the Salina Animal Shelter.
Salina City Commissioners met on Monday and decided to privatize the city’s animal shelter, after they have had a chance to review a consultants report.
Staff was directed to develop and advertise a Request for Proposal for the Operation (RFP) of the Salina Animal Shelter. On a 4-0 vote the body decided to wait for the completion of a report by a consulting firm to help guide the next steps. City Manager Jacob Wood commented he believes a strong leader has yet to be identified.
The paid consultant from Animal Shelter Services, LLC is expected to hand over his findings this week so the bidding process can begin in earnest at the next meeting.
Much of the discussion from the public centered on the fallout of a failed Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) inspection in January, euthanasia procedures by staff, that according to the state, were not properly documented. Two staff members are also facing charges related to the treatment of some of the animals.
In other action, during the three hour meeting, the commission accepted the resignation of Vice Mayor and Commissioner Jerry Ivey, and named Dr. Trent Davis as acting Vice Mayor. By Kansas law the commission now has 60-days to to fill Ivey’s vacant seat.
