City/county take heat on animal shelter veto
Third grade students from Taft Elementary School were all smiles last week when they visited Humboldt City Hall and had a chance to ask questions and view city equipment. The students are studying local government in social studies class and have even elected their own mayor and council members. With the students are instructor Joe Capesius (left), Humboldt Mayor Dan Scholl (center), City Administrator Travis Goedken (second from right) and student assistant teacher Ms. Weed. Humboldt Independent photo.
By KENT THOMPSON
The city of Humboldt, the mayor and members of the Humboldt City Council are receiving some public backlash following an action by Humboldt Mayor Dan Scholl on Thursday, May 10, vetoing Council action on public funds being used for the establishment of an animal shelter in the city.
Scholl vetoed Humboldt Council action from its May 7 meeting, which approved a $4,250 expenditure toward the purchase of property north of the NEW Cooperative Elevator on 1st Avenue North for the purposes of an animal shelter. The property is in an open field and is heavily wooded on the north and east sides. The property at 305 1st Ave. N., is about 75-100 feet west of a portion of the Three Rivers Trail.
Mayor Scholl and Humboldt City Administrator Travis Goedken reported that they have received phone calls and e-mails objecting to the location, and city council members have also.
Many posts on social media chastised the mayor and the city for not supporting a shelter.
Scholl said that was not the case and defended his action, saying the property in question does not permit an animal shelter under the current zoning. He also said the Council's action last week was not tied specifically to the 1st Avenue North property, nor to a specific timeline, both recommended by Humboldt City Attorney Eric Eide.
Read all about the issue in this week's Humboldt Independent. Subscribe by clicking on the link above and follow the Humboldt Newspapers on Facebook.
