Salina City Commission discusses animal shelter attack and public-private partnership options

During the Salina City Commission meeting on February 10, 2025, significant discussions centered around animal control issues and the management of public comment during meetings.

A key point raised involved a past incident at the local animal shelter where a volunteer was severely injured by a dog, resulting in 80 stitches. This incident, which occurred in February 2022, has raised concerns about the safety protocols in place at the shelter. A commissioner questioned whether other members were aware of the incident and the subsequent lack of support for the injured volunteer. The discussion highlighted ongoing issues within the animal control board, with calls for better follow-up and management practices at the shelter.

Additionally, the possibility of a public-private partnership with local animal service providers was discussed. The city manager confirmed that there had been contact from Prairie Paws regarding this potential collaboration, although it was unclear if a response had been made. The commissioners expressed a desire to explore this partnership further as a means to improve animal control services.

Another topic of discussion was the placement of public comment on the meeting agenda. A commissioner proposed revisiting the decision to move public comments to the end of meetings, suggesting that it may be more effective to have them at the beginning. This proposal was prompted by a recent change in another city, Hutchison, which reverted to allowing public comments at the start of meetings after initially moving them to the end.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter an executive session to discuss legal matters related to the ongoing case of Cozien versus the City of Salina, emphasizing the commission's commitment to addressing legal considerations with appropriate counsel.

These discussions reflect the commission's ongoing efforts to enhance community safety and engagement, as well as their responsiveness to public concerns regarding animal control and meeting procedures. The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape future policies and practices within the city.