Horse Cave City Council: Animal Haven Proposal

 

Katrina England

Reporter

Hart Co. News-Herald

 

The Horse Cave City Council met in regular session on Monday, May 12. In attendance were Councilmembers Velpha Hatchett, Larry Bunch, John Buckingham, Vickie Rogers, and Mandy Hatcher.

The Council discussed filling the vacancy of Randy Russell’s council seat. The Council has 30 days to fill the vacancy or it will be left to the governor to fill.

Councilmember Mandy Hatcher volunteered to create a questionnaire for anyone interested in filling the vacant seat. The questionnaire will provide information to the remaining councilmembers to make a decision.

“I just like things being out in the open,” explained Vickie Rogers. “I think everyone should have a fair shot.”

Hatcher also addressed concerns which had been brought to her over citizens’ ability to get in contact with the city council members.

Mayor Curry announced that Tony Robertson was chosen as WBKO’s Hometown Hero this month for his 35 years of volunteer service to the city.

“This man has proven himself, beyond a doubt,” said Curry.

 

Animal Haven of Hart County Proposal

Representatives from the Animal Haven of Hart County, Devon Avery, Tony Roberts, and Kate Kenny, presented a proposed agreement between the organization and the city.

While the Animal Control Officer (ACO) position is a county position, the Animal Haven will not be. The animal shelter will soon cease to exist, and the Animal Haven will take over as a private, non-county-operated facility. Their services will be largely based on contracts with the county and with the cities.

“We really need the support of the cities,” said Kenny. “No matter how you look at it, this problem is going to get worse and worse…This is not just a shelter, it’s a community operation…We want to be an example of how it’s done. We want to be the first in the state.”

“We’re wanting to be a partnership with this whole county,” said Roberts.

While the representatives were only asking for some form of financial contribution, the estimated cost for each city per year is $50,000. Without the committed financial partnership, cities will be billed $350 per animal pick-up by the Animal Haven of Hart County.

“Two things that really put a drain a budget are jails and animal control,” said Randall Curry, who discussed the common issues seen among counties affiliated with BRADD.

 

Splash Pad Update

Chris Summers with the Caverna Kiwanis club gave an update of the Splash Pad project.

Water usage would be approximately 15,000 per 5 hours of daily use, which is 495,000 gallons of water use monthly, and the maximum capacity of the pad would be 51 people. A restroom is required within 500-1,000 feet.

Summers announced there are systems that recycle the water. The request made to the city is for a commitment to property and commitment to maintenance.

 

Tennis Court Request

Terry Bunnell with People’s Bank addressed the Council regarding the Caverna Tennis Court Proposal.

“If you’ve been by the Caverna Tennis Courts, they’re in bad shape,” said Bunnell, who explained the new tennis team is unable to host home games due to the condition of the courts. “I’m asking you to invest in the community.”

On March 14, the Caverna Board of Education voted to move forward with construction of new courts.

While the school will be responsible for the financial obligation, Bunnell is hoping to assist with some of that. $6,300 in private money has already been raised to assist the school.

“The courts are open,” said Bunnell. “Tennis helps your heart. These are facts… You want to improve the health of your residents in Horse Cave, get them on the tennis court. Tennis helps build and keep friendships and social interactions…150 minutes a week meets exercise recommendations… improves hand/eye coordination…. 48% of youth tennis players have an A average and spend more time studying. Tennis players use geometry and physics principles to evaluate angles to get the best results. 81% of youth tennis players say they will attend college. Tennis players exhibit higher self-esteem and optimism than other athletes and non-athletes. One in twelve Americans played tennis in 2024… Tennis is a lifelong sport.”

Bunnell explained that construction will go down to the gravel, to the base of the tennis courts, and build them back up. The total cost will be approximately $197,000.

“We want these to be community courts,” said Caverna Superintendent Amanda Abell. “We want tourism to be able to promote these. Often times on Saturdays, I’ll see people out there from the community using the courts. We’re going to build the courts, regardless, but we’d like the community support just to say that these belong to all of us.”

The City of Cave City has committed to $5,000.

It was decided by motion that the city would take the request into consideration but would postpone the decision of commitment to next month when the budget can be discussed.

 

Department Reports

Police Chief Childress reported 323 calls for the past month, which included 28 accidents, 40 alarms, 11 animal complaints, 15 burglary, 27 domestic calls/EPO/DVO violations, 8 fights, 36 civil complaints, 6 abandoned vehicles, 10 EMS medical or fire assists, 26 welfare checks, 18 noise complaints, 2 juvenile beyond control, 16 mentally ill, 10 motorist assist, 27 agency assist, 16 traffic hazards, 7 funeral escorts, 16 suspicious vehicles/person/incident, 22 terroristic threatening/harassment complaints, 38 unverified 911 calls, and 5 warrants.

The police department continues to do requested extra patrol.

Childress also introduced new officer, Ben Durling, during the meeting.

Fire Chief Mason Michael presented the fire report, which included 1 hazmat call, 28 medical calls, 3 natural gas leaks, 9 weather related, 5 accidents with injuries, 6 fires, 1 fire alarm, and several mutual aid requests.

“We are known for our equipment,” said Michael. “We are known for our people.”

Randy Russell presented the Public Works Report, which included working on trees, clean up on Church Street, drain work with necessary digging, mowing, and brush collection.

Citizens also thanked the Public Works Department for their work in the city.