Title
Discussion regarding the Pflugerville Animal Shelter.
Summary
No presentation or Council deliberation is planned for this item. In anticipation of possible public comment regarding the Pflugerville Animal Shelter, this item has been included on the agenda to allow the City Council to provide comments and to discuss as desired. No action will be taken at this meeting concerning the Pflugerville Animal Shelter.
Status
On February 9, City Manager Brandon Wade gave a status update at the City Council meeting on a variety of options for the Pflugerville Animal Shelter, including a phased expansion of the current shelter and a possible partnership with Williamson County on a future expansion of its shelter.
While the Williamson County Animal Shelter partnership was a part of Wade’s City Council presentation and a part of subsequent media reporting, this is one of the options up for consideration.
“City staff continue to fully research various options, and will continue to receive input from our dedicated volunteers to reach the best solution for the shelter,” Wade said. “After the Council meeting, social media posts implied that the City Council would consider the WilCo partnership option in February, which is inaccurate.”
The City recognizes and appreciates the efforts of its volunteers who through tireless efforts, including direct shelter work and home fostering, have allowed the shelter to have a success rate of which to be very proud, Wade said.
Prior to any vote by the City Council on the future direction of the shelter, information will be provided to the City Council, volunteers and the public.
Identified options:
Current shelter phased expansion - On December 8, 2015, the City Council was briefed on a Phased Approach to the existing Animal Shelter. Phase 1 includes construction of a new Animal Services building on the existing site to expand the capacity of the shelter by 48 with a preliminary budget of just over $2 million. In addition, a plan was presented for future additional phases of construction, including an Adoption Building, expansion of the Animal Services Building, providing direct vehicle access to Pecan Street and elements to integrate the facility into our Parks Trail System. This proposal is still an option for the Council’s consideration.
Williamson County: A Council Member requested that the City Manager investigate the possibility of partnering with the Williamson County Animal Shelter for Pflugerville’s shelter needs. The Williamson County Shelter is currently a partnership between Williamson County, and the cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Hutto for their Animal Shelter needs. The city manager met on January 11, 2016 with Commissioner Valerie Covey of Williamson County regarding the possibility of this partnership. While there was interest in continued discussion, many details have yet to be vetted.
When details of these options are fully prepared, they will be reported to the City Council for consideration and direction. As research continues, additional identified options may be added to the list.
Staff Recommendation
Discuss only.
Drafter
Jeff Coleman
Mayor