City Council to Discuss Animal Services Policy, Aviation Mechanic School Development

SAN ANGELO, TX - The San Angelo City Council will hold its regular meeting on Dec. 3, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. at the McNease Convention Center, with discussions on Animal Services policies and zoning changes as some of the key items.

One of the topics on the regular agenda involves a discussion and possible action on policies related to dog intake at Animal Services. According to the agenda, the discussion will focus on policies implemented in recent years to address shelter capacity issues and reduce intake numbers, including restrictions on non-emergency surrenders and initiatives like the Good Sam program, which supports temporary care for stray animals.

"Staff recommends referring the capacity policy, including removing intake restrictions, to the originating committee to develop new policies, pathways and resources to accept more animals," information from the agenda packet states. "Reducing the number of lost dogs at large in San Angelo is a nuanced and complex issue impacted by nationwide trends (veterinarian shortage) and economic trends (rising pet food costs).

"Maintaining the intake of found pets, regardless of capacity, pressures all systems, including owner reunification efforts, medical interventions, adoptions, and euthanasia," the information reads. "Further resources will need to be identified to attempt these efforts, if even for a short period."

The council will also consider ratifying an economic development agreement with Skyline Aviation to establish an aviation mechanics school in partnership with Howard College. The proposed program would offer certifications for Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenses, with Skyline funding $1.5 million in equipment and employing 30 instructors and staff. If approved, the city would allocate $1 million from its future projects fund to support the initiative, which aims to create 10 to 18 aviation jobs within three years and attract new aviation businesses to the region.

In addition, the council will address several zoning-related ordinances. These include second readings for rezoning portions of Lasker’s Addition to allow for low-rise multifamily housing and changes to the Village East Retirement Community zoning to permit accessory uses for a retirement community.

The full agenda is available here.