Council approves lease agreement for low-cost spay and neuter clinic

Published 3:10 pm Friday, February 10, 2023

BY ROBERT SORRELL

Star Correspondent

Elizabethton City Council members unanimously approved a lease agreement with the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter, which plans to build and operate a spay and neuter clinic.

During its Thursday meeting, Council members approved a 20-year lease for $1 a year with the option to extend for land adjacent to the animal shelter on Sycamore Shoals Drive.

“It’s a win-win situation,” said Councilman Wes Frazier, who said the new clinic will be beneficial for the entire community.

Michael Barnett, chairman of the Friends organization, said options are limited for low-income residents in need of spay and neuter services. The new clinic will provide an opportunity for Elizabethton and Carter County pet owners and residents.

Barnett said the organization continues to raise funds to build the facility. The organization is hosting its 2^nd Annual 5K Run and 1K Walk this weekend in downtown Elizabethton and all money raised goes toward the future clinic.

“It will be next to our Animal Shelter,” the group stated on Facebook after council approved the lease agreement.

Barnett said the clinic will make revenue from charges for services and donations.

On second reading, five of seven council members approved an ordinance to transfer funds to the Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course for cashflow and operational purposes. The funds, which total more than $200,000, could be used for maintenance, supplies or other issues at the golf course, if necessary.

The golf course has dealt with a string of weather-related damage and other issues, including increasing costs for supplies, in recent months. The course has also had to remove about 80 stumps. The golf pro said, however, that membership has increased and continues to do well, particularly through partnerships and programs. He said he believes the city-owned golf course, which is managed by Hampton Golf, is “going in the right direction.”

Richard Barker and Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Carter voted against the ordinance.

An ordinance to rezone property on North Lynn Avenue from M-1 low impact industrial to R-2 medium density residential passed unanimously on first reading.

Developer Robert Latrell plans to build homes on the 1.2 acre site of the former Dixie Battery at 706 North Lynn Avenue. Latrell said the homes will range in size from 1,200 square feet to 1,400 square feet.

City Mayor Curt Alexander noted that there are few places in the city to build new homes.

A public hearing and second reading of the ordinance will be on the council’s next agenda.

Council members also approved a motion to approve a contract between the city and Clyde Masters Productions LLC. The production company will assist the city to bring a music concert in August at Citizens Bank Stadium at Elizabethton High School.