2022 11 15 City Council

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RESOLUTION NO. 2022-33

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MCMINN ANIMAL SHELTER
AT 320 SOUTH JACKSON STREET TO BE NAMED THE LARRY
DEAN WALLACE, SR ANIMAL SHELTER AND ADOPTION CENTER

WHEREAS, in 2004, McMinn Regional Humane Society board members approached Larry
Dean Wallace, Sr. for assistance with shelter repair and expansion; and

WHEREAS, from that moment forward, Mr. Wallace’s vision was in continuous motion for
improved conditions for the animals of McMinn County until the day he received his great

reward; and

WHEREAS, as a former McMinn County Sheriff, Colonel of the Tennessee Highway Patrol,
and Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation — Mr. Wallace utilized his law enforcement

connections for the betterment of our community; and

WHEREAS, he enlisted trustees from the former Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary to
provide labor to build and renovate outdoor kennels; and

WHEREAS, this pivotal project extended the shelter’s outreach from 15 to 37 kennels and
saved thousands of dogs’ lives; and

WHEREAS, he remained tirelessly involved, giving his time and money annually to the
McMinn Regional Humane Society to support its mission; his advocacy also included recruiting
generous donors and friends to join him in preserving and promoting animal welfare; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wallace served in multiple capacities including the long-range planning
committee, where he tackled challenging scenarios decisively with action plans, and he
ultimately became an official board member of the McMinn Regional Humane Society; and

WHEREAS, when the nonprofit recognized it was time for a new home, once again, with
unfettered dedication, Mr. Wallace strategized, problem-solved, and found a new facility, the
former Daily Post Athenian on South Jackson Street; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wallace orchestrated respectful negotiations with stakeholders which
saved a significant amount of money on its acquisition; subsequently, he relentlessly continued
to foster forward momentum by bridging Council members, volunteers, and construction

planning; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wallace’s lifetime care of relationship building continues to benefit the
humane society, the City of Athens, the greater McMinn County area, and the State of Tennessee;

and

WHEREAS, today, Mr. Wallace’s dream of providing a sanctuary for unhoused animals,
adoptions, and a clinic — all for the rehabilitation and love of animals is being realized.

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