Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Shelter topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents and sheriff warn of full animal shelter; fair board outlines $93,000 project plan
Summary
John Brimhall, a Myrtle Point-area resident, used the Jan. 7 public comment period to press the county on the Coos County Animal Shelter’s capacity and enforcement of laws against animal cruelty and roadside dumping.
John Brimhall, a Myrtle Point-area resident, used the Jan. 7 public comment period to press the county on the Coos County Animal Shelter’s capacity and enforcement of laws against animal cruelty and roadside dumping. Brimhall said, "What's happening to those animals? If anybody is taking them out, cats or dogs, and shooting them, I don't care who they are. There's going to be hell to pay." The remark was made during general citizen comment and attributed to Brimhall in the public record.
Sheriff John responded to questions about the shelter's status, saying the facility is "full" and describing the county policy: "We're a no kill shelter. You know, 1 option is to start killing animals. We're not gonna do that." The sheriff said the county has previously fostered animals and transferred animals to other jurisdictions, but many regional shelters are also full. He said the county is exploring options but that building a larger shelter would be cost-prohibitive.
Separately, Gary Higa of the Fair Board provided an update on planned fairgrounds projects and funding. He said the fair received a $93,000 grant that will be divided among several projects. Planned work includes interior repairs and new flooring in the Oaks building, construction of two ADA restrooms upstairs in the Klarno building (permits pending), a 40-by-50-foot concrete pad to serve as a stage in the amphitheater, an addition to the llama barn to accommodate growing 4-H participation, and a proposed covered arena in South Lot with a footprint Higa described as "130 by 200." Higa said bids came in lower than expected on recent work and that volunteers and donations are part of the funding plan.
Brimhall also raised concerns about roadside litter and said citizens would begin using statutory authority to make arrests for littering when necessary; the sheriff acknowledged the public's frustration but did not endorse citizen arrests during the meeting.
Ending: Commissioners thanked fair volunteers and noted the fairboard projects will proceed as permits and funding allow.
