The Ellis County Press: Safe Harbor Foundation wins contract Former ACO files complaint

Safe Harbor Foundation wins contract Former ACO files complaint
================================================================================
Editor on 12/03/2009 10:35:00


MEGAN GRAY
The Ellis County Press
FERRIS - Safe Harbor Foundation, a no kill shelter, and a Nevada public charity
corporation, was awarded the contract to help manage the city of Ferris' animal
control during a unanimous vote Monday, Nov. 23 at a special called meeting.
Place 4 councilman Gary Ross was absent.
"Right now it's just me to get your dog back," said Tim Rawlings, chief building
official.
Animal Control Officer Misty Clark was fired Wednesday, Sept. 23 after City
Manager Eric Strong commissioned an outside investigator to look into the
various claims about city personnel.
After the investigation, Strong felt firing Clark was the best course of action
to take according to the statement released to the media after the termination.
Clark, known for adopting out many animals to the city and bringing national
media attention to Mayor Pro - Tem Bill Pardue's "shock factor;" a mandatory
euthanasia policy that has since been withdrawn, now has filed a claim with the
County/District Attorney Joe Grubbs on the city.
The claim, said Clark , is with the city council making decisions before a
hearing is even held on the issue thus ,violating the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Pardue claims he has no idea about any of Clark's allegations on the city.
Until the contract is amended at the next council meeting, the cost of getting
your dog out is $100 initially for pick-up if no proof of rabies shot or spay
and neuter has occurred, plus $25 each additional day. After the third day, the
foundation can place the pet up for adoption to the public.
The contract with Safe Harbor will automatically renew every year unless 30-days
written notice by the city or foundation is in place to terminate the contract.
Among other amendments, the council agreed to provide an independent contract up
to $5,000 for improvements to their facility for a possible shower or some sort
of bathroom.