Task force recommends single nonprofit led by Bridal Allies to run new Superior animal shelter

The Superior Common Council on Dec. 7 voted to adopt final recommendations from an animal shelter task force that urged the city to support creation of a single nonprofit partnership to build and operate a new shelter.

The task force — represented to the council by Dave Miner, chair of the task force — recommended that ARF, the Douglas County Humane Society and Bridal Allies join as one organization, with Bridal Allies leading the collaboration, to run the new facility. "There really was one organization that was best suited... and that was a collaboration between the three of them with Bridal Allies leading that charge," Miner said.

Finance Director Jean Vito submitted the task force report to the council. Miner told councilors the three groups have been meeting and doing due diligence and that the council's adoption would allow the groups to continue working toward a single operating proposal and then begin formal negotiations with the city. "Tonight, simply, we're just asking you to adopt our recommendation to allow those three groups to continue to meet, form one organization, and then that's really where the negotiations begin between the city," Miner said.

Council discussion was supportive. Councilor McKenzie said combining forces "is our best option, in providing, quality animal control and a quality environment, and most of, most important, a quality building." Councilor Herrick thanked the task force and staff for producing a readable summary for the council.

Councilors asked about timing; Miner said the three groups intended to finalize arrangements "as soon as possible" and that several decision points would come to the council over the next months. The council approved the task force recommendation by voice vote.