ARF seeks pack pact

SHAWANO — The Shawano Common Council will ask for help from the entire pack — that is, the community — to help build a play area for pets.

The council approved a request from the Shawano Parks and Recreation Department to open one or more crowdfunding sites to raise money for a fenced dog play area. Though commonly known as a dog park, some council members had asked for an alternative designation for the facility.

Matt Hendricks, parks and recreation director, said he had a suggestion.

“I let my dog out and hear, ‘Arf, arf, arf.’ It got me thinking: Animal Recreation Facility, or ARF,” Hendricks said.

The city has already allocated $30,000 for the project, about half of the cost. Hendricks said a local donor has paid $15,000 toward the remaining cost. He said there has been a lot of community interest in the ARF, and feels that a crowdfunding internet site would be a good way to solicit donations from many individuals.

The donation website will be selected now that the council approved the concept, he said. Options include GoFundMe and Facebook. Hendricks said it is not unusual for cities to solicit donations this way, but this is a first for Shawano.

Having a donor website will also allow ARF users to contribute to future enhancements, such as benches or water, he added.

Present plans call for a grassy, fenced area located in the Shawano Industrial Park, next to the Shawano County Humane Society. The design will include an area for small dogs and double fencing at the doors to prevent dogs from escaping as owners enter or leave the area.

Initial plans do not call for benches or play structures for the dogs.

“It is a pretty bare bones dog park,” Eddie Sheppard, city administrator said.

Alderwoman Sandy Steinke said the crowdfunding project is a way for ARF supporters to get help get the project moving forward.

“Now is the time to help your community,” she said.

Hendricks added that while crowdfunding is a way to involve many donors, he asked anyone with a sizable donation, over $500, to contact him directly through the park and recreation office. Crowdfunding sites are convenient, but take a small percentage of the donation in fees, and a direct donation to the city avoids that, he said.

Tax levy

In other business, the city adjusted the tax levy due to changes in one of the city’s Tax Increment Finance Districts. The changes does not affect the general fund levy, but reduces the mill rate (the amount an individual pays per $1,000 of assessed value) from 24.9690 to 24.6595.

“It’s positive for the taxpayers,” Sheppard said.

Sidewalks

Alderwoman Rhonda Strebel noted that sidewalks are “looking pretty good,” in terms of snow removal. She reminded homeowners and business owners to include corners in their snow clearing.

Dan Mauel, Shawano city police chief, added that winter overnight parking rules are also going well, with warnings but no tickets issued so far this year.

Airport commission

The city voiced its approval to change the Shawano City-County Airport commission’s size from three to five at-large members.

The number of projects underway, including a runway expansion, seaplane base improvements, and the recent remodeling of the terminal, mean the board has “more projects than we have arms and legs to do that,” said airport commissioner Doug Engel.

The city and Shawano County will each select one new commission member for the at-large positions. Engel said several community members have expressed an interest in serving.

The council also:

• Approved several contracts and leases to facilitate the Menominee Department of Transit Services operation of the taxi and bus service in Shawano.

• Approved non-union wages.

• Approved the purchase of a single tractor for parks department lawn mowing, ball diamond surfacing and snow removal.

• Approved the purchase of Civic Systems for accounting software for both the city and Shawano Municipal Utilities.

cryczek@newmedia-wi.com