CLINTON —
The city of Clinton has no plan in place for animal control following a failure by City Council members to override a veto from Mayor Mark Vulich of the city’s agreement with the Humane Society or to approve a contract with a local vet.
Last week Mayor Mark Vulich vetoed two resolutions previously passed by the Clinton City Council — one approving a contract with the Humane Society that included the subsidy increase from $65,000 to $120,000 and another approving an ad-hoc committee to investigate potential cost-saving opportunities for the city regarding the Humane Society contract. The council would have needed to pass the resolutions with a 5-2 vote in order to override the vetoes. Council members also voted down a contract from local vet All Pets for animal control services, which would have carried a $40,000 subsidy and only provided care for animals brought in by the animal control officer.
Before taking a vote, the council heard from several community members who both supported and critiqued the city’s agreement with the Humane Society as well as the haste used by the mayor in issuing his veto.
Council members also took issue with what they perceived as lack of forethought on Vulich's part.
At-Large Councilman John Rowland said the contract and ad-hoc committee resolutions should be passed in order to give them more time to work with the city.
“I think it would be best to take a time out here, take both of these proposals and let them be vetted better,” Rowland said. “Let the Humane Society come back with their proposal and I think the All Pets proposal needs to be vetted much more than what it has been. What's hurt with in two months from now, even less, coming back here and making a good decision that people can hold in their hands, look at ahead of time and see what it actually says?”
At-large councilwoman Jennifer Graf echoed Rowland's dismay with the veto. She stated it is a tool designed to be used sparingly, but one that Vulich has used three times since taking office. Graf also lamented at the rift in the community caused by the animal control discussions.
“I have deep concerns for the future for our citizens with such continued divisiveness. What did this veto accomplish? So far it has provided a firestorm of criticism on the Humane Society and All Pets, both of whom care for animals and each of whom has their camps of supporters. This has divided the community between the two entities and I don't see where that is harboring goodwill in the future of his city,” Graf said.
Ward 2 councilwoman Julie Allesee pointed to the inconsistencies between the Humane Society and All Pets contract as well as the many questions both contracts leave unanswered.
While Ward 3 councilwoman Bev Hermann did not take issue with the veto, she did have concerns with the Humane Society contract. She cited the number of animals that have been adopted, reclaimed and euthanized by the agency.
“I’m not sure where I am on this even right now,” Hermann said.
In the end, she stood with Ward 4 Councilman Paul Gassman and Ward 1 Councilwoman Maggie Klaes and cast a “no” vote, causing the city council to fail to reach a 5-2 vote in support of both resolutions.
The resolution to contract with local vet All Pets Mobile Clinic also failed. The resolution received only two votes in favor, coming from council members Gassman and Klaes.
The three votes leave the city with no contract in place for animal control services.
“I don't think they were thinking,” Humane Society Operations Manager Sandi Bartels, who was at the council meeting, said.
The city is required to capture dangerous dogs, dogs running at-large and bite cases. Vulich will consult with City Attorney Jeff Farwell to determine how the city needs to proceed.
Local News
February 13, 2013
Council fails to override animal contract vetoes
- Local News
-
- YWCA pushes forward with shelter CLINTON — The Clinton YWCA will no longer receive government funding for its domestic violence and sexual assault resource center, but Executive Director Lori Freudenberg said her organization was prepared and will continue to offer services for vict
- No Headline Provided Baseball AMERICAN LEAGUE East Division W L Pct GB New York 26 16 .619 -- Boston 25 17 .595 1 Baltimore 23 18 .561 2½ Tampa Bay 21 20 .512 4½ Toronto 17 25 .405 9 Central Division W L Pct GB Cleveland 23 17 .575 -- Detroit 23 17 .575 -- Kansas City
-
Planning for the future
CLINTON -- No Kohl's. No casino. No development in the Lyons Tech Park. Less tax revenue. More blight. That's what Clinton officials say the city would have if they hadn't used tax increment financing to attract development. Tax increment fina
- No Headline Provided Baseball NATIONAL LEAGUE East Division W L Pct GB Atlanta 23 18 .561 -- Washington 22 19 .537 1 Philadelphia 20 22 .476 3½ New York 16 23 .410 6 Miami 11 31 .262 12½ Central Division W L Pct GB St. Louis 27 14 .659 -- Cincinnati 25 17 .595 2½ Pitts
-
Clinton law enforcement honored
CLINTON — Members of the Clinton Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff's Office commemorated National Police Week with an awards ceremony and a memorial ceremony to honor those who protect the community.
-
2 finalists named for city administrator
CLINTON — Two finalists have been selected in the search for Clinton's next city administrator: Clinton Finance Director and interim City Administrator Jessica Kinser and Joliet, Ill., Assistant City Manager Benjamin Benson.
-
Jail escapee pleads guilty
CLINTON -- A man who escaped from the Clinton County jail on April 6 will spend as much as 10 years in prison. Kendrell Keith, 18, pleaded guilty Thursday to the escape and the second-degree theft charge that put him in jail.
-
Council targets late bills
CLINTON - Business owners won't be able to dodge sewer bills while staying in operation under an ordinance amendment that was approved by City Council members Tuesday.
-
Trying to find a family member
CLINTON — Jean King's heart aches for a daughter she never knew. Christmas time especially brings sorrow and speculation about the daughter she gave up for adoption 36 years ago. "I wonder what she's doing. I wonder if she's successful. I wonder how
- Council explores new solid-waste system CLINTON -- City officials are considering paying the Minnesota firm that evaluated the solid waste system $17,000 to help in the search for a solid-waste service provider. The $17,000 would be paid to Springsted in order for the firm to assemble a r
- More Local News Headlines
