December 1, 2008 Minutes
CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
December 1, 2008
After determining that a quorum was present, the City Council convened in a Special Called
Work Session on Monday, December 1, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. in the Council Work Session Room.
PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Kamp; Council Members Heggins, Mulroy, Thomson, and Watts.
ABSENT: Mayor Burroughs; Council Member Moreno
1.The Council received a report, held a discussion, and gave staff direction on the proposed
Master Plan for the new Animal Care and Adoption Center.
Scott Fletcher, Captain-Denton Police Department, presented an update on the proposed Master
Plan for the new Animal Care and Adoption Center.
New shelter goals were to change the focus from a “dog pound” to an adoption center and to
provide improved services for animals and citizens.
Exterior design of the facility would have a modern professional appearance, an open and
inviting atmosphere, a low maintenance hardscape, and xeriscape plantings.
Interior design would have an open and inviting atmosphere, would maximize safe public
interaction with animals, and minimize a need for staff.
Specific room/area descriptions were presented based on function, location, description,
finish and typical furnishings.
Information on area shelter costs was presented which ranged from $171-$328 per square
foot. There might be a need to set a definite price and build what could be done with that
amount of money.
Projected budget costs were presented with a total estimate of $8.052 million to $9.259
million.
The Master Plan provided an avenue for a new image for the shelter; improved services for
citizens and animals; increased “front door” exits in terms of adoption, returns and rescue;
provided the potential to phase in building over time; and a potential for growth.
Council Discussion –
The City currently was taking in animals from other entities. Fletcher replied correct that
right now the City took in all animals from contracted entities. With the new facility, the
City would be moving toward taking in animals from other entities if space were available.
The projection in the Master Plan was for City of Denton animals only which would provide
flexibility in the beginning phase of the facility.
Projections for operations & maintenance were not done at this time. Fletcher replied correct
that the operations and maintenance costs would depend on what was finally approved for the
design of the facility.
The Shelter Foundation would continue to help with costs after completion of the
construction.
The cost per square footage number did not include land acquisition. Fletcher replied correct
that the land was not included.
Dr. Peter Lane read a statement from Betty Sherman, Chair of Shelter Foundation. Ms. Sherman
thanked the Council for early funding for the facility. The role of the Foundation would not be
City of Denton City Council Minutes
December 1, 2008
Page 2
administration of the facility but was for animal care and adoption. The Foundation would be a
supportive arm for the facility and help find dollars to support the facility.
Consensus of Council was to proceed with the Master Plan.
2.The Council held a discussion with Keep Denton Beautiful regarding, but not limited to
department history, functions, programs, and major accomplishments.
Aimee Dennis, Keep Denton Beautiful Manager, presented information on the department which
included the history and formation of the department, organizational structure, budget and
funding, major accomplishments and vision for the future.
The department was started as a Blue Ribbon Citizens’ Task Force in 1987, changed to the
Beautification Advisory Committee in 1991 and in 1996 developed into a standalone 501 (c)
3 organization.
The mission of Keep Denton Beautiful was to inspire individuals to take greater
responsibility for a clean and beautiful city thorough litter prevention, reduction of waste and
community beautification.
2007-09 Strategic Plan was to evaluate and improve KDB programs and outcomes, expand
the volunteer development program, influence public policy on issues that were directly
related to mission/vision; and implement a comprehensive fundraising and marketing
strategy.
Keep Denton Beautiful received the Governor’s Community Achievement Award in 2007
and was given $155,000 for community beautification.
One major area of service was litter prevention and reduction. Activities included in this area
were the Great American Cleanup Day, the City’s tree program and Arbor Day. Businesses
and families also benefited from these programs.
Vision for the future was a city where people lived in vibrant neighborhoods, worked in a
thriving economy and played in a healthy environment.
With no further business, meeting was adjourned at 12:35 p.m.
___________________________________
PETE KAMP
MAYOR PRO TEM
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
_____________________________________
JENNIFER WALTERS
CITY SECRETARY
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS