In addition to the subject of Downtown revitalization, the 'Milton Tate Animal Shelter' and other community events were included with the major topics of discussion during the City Council meeting on Tuesday.

Natalie Tate, wife of the late Milton Tate, D.V.M, approached the council during the public participation portion of the meeting regarding the proposed Milton Tate Animal Shelter.

This was the second appearance by Tate regarding the subject. In April, Tate told the council that she and her children had become very upset after hearing of the council's plans to build a dog pound rather than a 'shelter.'

"We were under the impression you were building a 'shelter'," Tate told Councilman Terry Crawford and other alderman in April.

Tate explained that her real issue with the project was that she and others involved, including those who donated funds to the cause were led to believe that the facility would operate as a no-kill shelter for abandoned or abused animals, however, the facility that was being planned was not that.

An animal lover, much like her late husband, Tate pointed out that Dr. Tate, long-time Kennett veterinarian adored animals and notably refused to put any animals down unless it was deemed absolutely necessary.

According to Mrs. Tate's statement in April, her husband would never agree with, nor support having his name affiliated with anything other than a shelter that existed in purpose of saving animal's lives and finding homes for abandoned, neglected, or abused pets.

"If you're going to build a pound, then leave his name off of it," Tate said.

Tate consulted with city attorney Terry McVey regarding a said issue with the city not being licensed to operate an animal shelter.

No immediate action was taken regarding the issue; however, Tate did again request that the city make a decision of what it would be building.

"So it's up to you to decide if you are going to build a shelter or a dog pound," Tate said in closing.

During this month's meeting, Tate again asked the council what it planned do make of the project.

According to Tate's account of the project's birth, Mayor Roger Wheeler originally came to her to solicit donations for a 'shelter,' but later informed her that the city was could not legally operate as a shelter, only as a dog pound.

Tate said again, in her second appearance, that if the facility was just going to be a pound, then she does not want her husbands name associated with it. She also noted for the record that the individuals who donated funds for a 'shelter' either want a true animal shelter erected or they want their money back.

Following Tate's announcement, Mayor Wheeler confirmed and reiterated that the city cannot legally be involved with a shelter; they can only be involved with a pound, adding that he is not against a shelter.

Wheeler also said that if a private humane society could be created, he would see no problem with a shelter.

Jake Crafton, Ward I councilman, volunteered to look into creating a committee to oversee the creation of a humane society and the shelter aspects of the new facility.

The next portion of the meeting consisted of department reports. Jan McElwrath, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, gave her report on the upcoming events in Kennett.

McElwrath informed the council that Kennett has been nominated as one of eight finalists in the KAIT Good Neighbor Community program.

As a result of this nomination, KAIT will be doing a live broadcast from Mitchell Park at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2008.

McElwrath also stated that Aug. 15 would serve as Kennett Day at the state fair.

The Chamber executive also noted that there would be a section of seats reserved for all Kennett residents in attendance, as Kennett native Trent Tomlinson will be performing live at the fair with Sara Evans.

According to McElwrath, there will also be a meet and greet backstage for the Kennett section after the performance.

In other matters of business, Jake Crafton made a motion to allocate $45,000 to the Kennett Police Department for raises and benefits, claiming that, "Kennett may lose some of its officers to surrounding communities who have higher pay."

Following a discussion surrounding the fairness of giving the police department and not any other apartments a substantial raise, the council voted against the motion.

"We've got people who have worked for our street and fire departments who have more than 20 years [of service], that may have a problem with not seeing any of this $45,000," noted Jingo Cole, following the vote.