City animal shelter option explored staff writer 03/11/09 Amy Garmon Email this story to a friend The City of Fulton may be a step closer to finding a solution to the ongoing animal control issue plaguing the city for several months. During the Fulton Commission meeting held March 9, City Manager Kenny Etherton approached the commission with the idea of Fulton establishing it’s own animal shelter. Etherton said after speaking with the Hickman city manager who seemed to be pleased with the old contract regarding animal control, he still saw liability issues within that contract. If the City of Fulton decides to house animals in town, there must be a structure in place, to qualify for a grant. Etherton suggested the position be completely contracted. Commissioner Mike Farmer asked the city manager about a time frame for the shelter. Etherton said he was not sure, maybe the end of summer. Commissioner Jeff Vaughn suggested that Fulton city officials talk once again with Hickman city officials before moving forward with plans of a shelter in town. The commission agreed. “All in all Fulton and Hickman counties experienced positive job growth,” Eddie Crittendon, Economic Development Partnership (EDP) Director said in an update to the commission. Crittendon mentioned some of the events EDP coordinated last year and enlightened the commission on events scheduled for this year. “2009 is going to be bad, due to the economy,” Crittendon said. On a more positive note Crittendon said that businesses such as Hart Transportation and Glenn’s Contractors have created several jobs, and hopefully in the future will create even more employment opportunities. Crittendon also announced there would be a career fair held this year during the later part of the summer. The EDP director also gave the commission a preview of where Fulton and Hickman Counties were on the magazine showcasing the state of Kentucky, being produced by the Kentucky Economic Cabinet. “Our main goal is to hold on to what we have,” Crittendon concluded. Also on the agenda was the discussion of leasing the south end office of the city hall to the Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce, in the same location that housed the Chamber several years ago before they relocated to the South Fulton Municipal Complex. Etherton explained it would take $500-$1000 to make the space move-in ready, by installing three doors in place for privacy. Chamber member Buck Carroll represented the Chamber at the meeting. Mayor Dan Voegeli motioned that the decision be postponed for a couple weeks allotting time to talk with the South Fulton city manager regarding the negotiation. Regarding the sale of city vacant lots, City Manager Etherton suggested that the city accept an offer of $200 for 807 Walnut St. “I think it’s worth getting rid of it,” Etherton said. The commission approved. Although there were no bids given for the lot on Green Street, the commission agreed to allow the transfer of the property to Habitat for Humanity. In other business, citizen Kirk Vowell expressed his concern about the clean up process from the ice storm, and Elaine Forrester asked about alley ways which have yet to be cleaned. Public Works Director Richard Tidwell said crews will be cleaning alleys. They just have not started yet. In a report from the city manager: • The commission agreed to execute the release of the Scattered Site Housing mortgage for 807 Eddings St. • The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) Convention will be held Sept. 22-23 in Covington. • Commissioners gave the city manager the go-ahead to apply for a grant through KLC. • The Commission gave the city manager the go-ahead to apply for a USDA grant for the sewer system. • City Attorney Allison Whitledge reported the city is in the middle of proceedings regarding foreclosures, and that time is critical for those who have yet to contact the city. • The Commission accepted a proposal from Mayor Voegeli giving Major General Tommy Lynn the key to the city and an honorary day. • There will be a town meeting held March 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Pontotoc Community Center to discuss the ice storm. The public is invited.