The City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) is closing the shelter’s deceased animal depository box, a move supported by the AAMW Advisory Board as part of the department’s long-term strategic plan. The change follows a review of municipal best practices and is intended to improve safety, animal welfare and operational efficiency.  “Closing the depository allows us to focus more fully on protecting living animals while also reducing unnecessary health and safety risks for staff and the public,” said AAMW Director Victoria Medley. “This decision brings Amarillo into alignment with best practices followed by other municipalities and ensures we are operating under the highest standards of care.” Medley acknowledged the emotional side of losing a pet. “Losing a pet is never easy,” Medley said. “This change ensures pets are handled safely by their owners while allowing us to continue caring for the shelter animals who depend on us every day.” The depository box had been identified as an operational risk and presented multiple long-term challenges. Unbagged remains often required staff to handle and re-bag animals before they could be transported to the landfill. This increased the risk of environmental contamination and disease transmission to live animals and AAMW employees. The site also became a target for illegal dumping by citizens and businesses, which added costs and created further hazards. In addition, state guidance from the Texas Animal Control Association emphasizes that living animals must always take priority and be kept separate from deceased animals, a standard better supported without a depository on the premises. Amarillo residents who experience the loss of a pet should place small animals in a secure plastic bag, double bagging if possible, and dispose of them in their trash receptacle for collection or take them directly to the city landfill. Families who prefer other arrangements may work with their veterinarian or a private pet aftercare provider. These services are not provided by

The North Heights Water Main Replacement Project (NHWMRP)continues Monday (September 29) with the next phase of three alleyways. Two alleyways are located between N.W. 13th Ave. and N.W. 14th Ave. and between N.W. 16thAve. and N.W. 17th Ave. extending from North Travis Street to North Ong Street. The additional alleyway is located between N.W. 19th Ave. and N.W. 20th Ave. and extends from North Fannin Street to North Travis Street. The following alleyways are under various stages of the NHWMRP: For more details on the project, please visit the project website at: www.amarillo.gov/capital-projects-and-development/water-utilities-projects/ The project will replace existing two-inch water mains with new six-inch water mains to improve water service in the North Heights area. In preparation, the City of Amarillo Solid Waste Department is relocating dumpsters in affected alleys. The project will affect traffic around construction areas. The contractor will minimize impact to the public as much as possible. Motorists are advised to please heed all traffic signs in the area. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.

COA Snapshot is a Monthly Feature on COA Employees/Officials When Walt and Marla Davis were looking for a volunteer opportunity that not only helped the community but also fit their unique schedule, they found one near and dear to their hearts. “We had been looking around and finally there was something that jumped out at me,” Marla said. “I knew we had to do this.” In 2018, the Davises discovered the City of Amarillo (COA) Accessible Parking Enforcement Volunteer (APEV) program – and it was a perfect fit. “At first we started volunteering for everything, and that was a big mistake,” Walt said with a laugh. “We had more hours volunteering than when we were working. What we liked about this program was that it was special to us for many reasons, and it is very flexible and accommodating. If you don’t want to come in that day and volunteer, you don’t come in. It is very easy and rewarding.” The Davises are both retired and will celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary next month. They have two grown children and five grandchildren. Walt is a disabled veteran having served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Both had parents who were disabled, so it is easy to see how the APEV program resonates with the Davises. “The services provided by the volunteers in the APEV program help ensure accessible parking for those who need it,” said COA City Marshal Jacob Diaz, whose department oversees the program. “Designated parking spaces for disabled motorists need to be protected, and we are grateful for those who volunteer. This helps our entire community.” The APEV program is quick, simple and convenient. Volunteers determine their own work schedules. Training is provided and the enforcement process is non-confrontational. “From the time you spot a car that may be

Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (RHAIA) will be hosting a TSA PreCheck® enrollment event in collaboration with IDEMIA, an authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider since 2013. Travelers will be able to enroll or renew their membership at RHAIA from October 7-10 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The TSA PreCheck Application Program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. The enrollment process is quick, convenient, and even faster when the application is completed online beforehand. During the in-person appointment, applicants are required to provide identity and citizenship documents, fingerprints and a photo will be captured, and then pay for the application fee. IDEMIA offers TSA PreCheck enrollment for $76.75 and if approved, travelers get a five-year membership with the program.  Following the in-person enrollment appointment, most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in about three to five days. The KTN number must be added to flight reservations to enjoy TSA PreCheck benefits.   TSA PreCheck was created in October 2011 as a way to provide low-risk travelers with a smoother experience through airport security. It is a great option for travelers looking to save time. Enrolled members have access to TSA PreCheck dedicated screening lanes at over 200 participating U.S. airports nationwide, and 99% of members wait 10 minutes or less in a screening lane. TSA PreCheck passengers travel with ease and keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on and keep laptops, 3-1-1 liquids and food items in their bags. Travelers unable to make the RHAIA enrollment event but still interested in enrolling in the TSA PreCheck Application Program can complete the application online and schedule an appointment at one of IDEMIA’s 630-plus enrollment centers nationwide. To get started visit: https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/ For more information on the TSA PreCheck program, visit https://www.tsa.gov/precheck