Animal Control to Provide Dog Kennel in Seeley, Sackett Hired

SEELEY LAKE – In addition to the discussion with Missoula County Deputy County Attorney Matt Jennings, the Seeley Lake Fire District Board approved the installation of two temporary dog kennels at Station #2 to be used by Animal Control and approved hiring Seeley Lake resident Jim Sackett for the maintenance position.

Missoula City-County Animal Control obtained a $3,000 grant to build dog kennels to provide space for temporary housing due to disaster type situations. Missoula Animal Control Officer White requested permission from the Fire District to construct two temporary 12X12 chain link dog runs with a roof on Station #2 north of Seeley Lake.

Officer White said there is an increasing need for a temporary, secure holding facility. When someone from Animal Control cannot respond to a complaint, local law enforcement often handles the situation. The kennel would be secure, have water and would be shaded so law enforcement officers can get back to their work and the animal can wait for Animal Control to respond.

White feels this would also benefit local pet owners. They wouldn’t have to drive all the way to Missoula to claim their lost dog if it is picked up. They would have to still go through Animal Control to get their pet back since it will be secured in the kennel.

The board voted unanimously to allow Animal Control to build the kennels on the property north of town. Construction will begin this spring.

The District hired Jim Sackett two weeks ago subject to approval of the board. Sackett was the only applicant for the position. He was hired with a nine-month probationary period at $11 per hour.

Seeley Lake Fire Chief Michael Greer said Sackett has been doing a fantastic job and put in six weeks of 40-50 hours per week before he was hired. He asked the board to bump his pay to at least as much as the previous maintenance person was getting paid when he left “a whole $0.83 raise.” He also requested the probationary period be reduced to six months and following his 90 day performance evaluation he could be considered for another raise.

Trustee Connie Clark motioned to hire Sackett with a six-month probationary period at $11.83 per hour. It passed 3-1 with board member Rachel Jennings opposing since she felt the original terms of hire were more appropriate given his past experiences with the Company.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting is Tuesday, March 20 at 6 p.m. at the Seeley Lake Fire Hall. Any special meetings will be posted on the website, seeleyfire.org.