Perry council tables animal shelter agreement and approves stormwater updates

Perry's updated animal shelter agreement with Ellie's Pet Hotel, which would raise the rate from $22 to $28 per day, is on hold. The City Council tabled the resolution on Oct. 8 and directed staff to return with a red-lined version, according to signed minutes. City Administrator Bob Barnhill said minor corrections to the effective date and a typographical error also needed to be addressed. ^[1]

Police Chief Scott Hancey said animal control costs average about $2,000 a month and the city has three dogs in the shelter, one since as early as February. He said outreach to animal rights groups and Weber County Animal Services had not yet produced alternatives. The council discussed promoting adoptions on city social media and in the newsletter and reviewed legal concerns with the agreement, including adoption procedures, authorized personnel, intake requirements, fee collection, automatic renewal terms and inconsistent dates. It also discussed whether a regional animal control facility with Willard City and Box Elder County could work, referencing Weber County's service district model, and considered reinstating animal licensing fees, though the minutes say that program had previously operated at a loss. ^[1]

The council approved, 3-0, stormwater ordinance amendments with changes and, 3-0, the annual stormwater management plan update. Barnhill said the amendments were driven by state-mandated updates to the city's stormwater permit and prepared by consultant Jones and Associates. New Public Works Director Tyler Pugsley, introduced at the start of the meeting, said that as a newly designated MS4 city Perry must now hold two public hearings a year on the plan. Council member Nathan Tueller said developers' feedback to state lawmakers had influenced parts of the update and raised soliciting developer comments at those hearings. Council members Toby Wright and Ashley Young were absent. ^[1]