03/07/2025
To whom it may concern, as you all know, Concerned Citizens of Sioux Falls, a group of Sioux Falls residents came together to attempt to get city resolution 13-25 on a public ballot to allow the voters to vote yes or no on whether to keep the animals in Sioux Falls or let it go. After tirelessly hosting events, rallies, and canvassing neighborhoods, we are sad to announce, we only were able to get 1,000 registered voters to sign the petition. It was not due to a lack of effort and interest. We had the support of many local businesses, fellow residents - it simply came down to timing. While weather played a factor that first week, the final two weeks we made a gigantic effort to hold rallies, motor-pools, events, and perform neighborhood walks. In support of all those who volunteered their time and effort, as well as to support all those voters who took the time to show up and sign the petition, we owe it to everyone to submit the petitions to the City Clerk of Sioux Falls, thus creating a public record presenting all the names of concerned residents that managed to come forward. Sioux Falls is a wonderful city, and is full of some of the most passionate and loyal people who care about its history, its community assets, and to whom are proud of their little town on the prairie. While we failed to get the necessary signatures to get a special election, for the love of our fine city, we urge the City Council to reconsider their own decision, and bring this public issue back to the table, allowing for further debate to be had. We strongly believe there is enough support for the Brockhouse Animal Collection, that our city council can come up with a plan to maintain ownership, repair the animals, and display these animals for years to come. Afterall, not only did we the concerned citizens attempt to collect signatures, there have been many people that came forward willing to donate their time, money, and effort necessary to keep these animals in Sioux Falls. And lastly, we are planning on collaborating with the Charter Revision Commission (July to December) in order to create further dialogue to amend the charter to restrict the city government in how it can best manage Gifting Agreements. We feel that once the Citizens of Sioux Falls accept a gift from one of their own, it should take no less than three-fourths of the city council and a majority vote of the voters to terminate such an agreement. If this rule had been in place today, the Brockhouse Animal Collection would have, could have seen a much different outcome. We pray that the City Council adheres to the wishes of the people, and take it up themselves to give to the Brockhouse Animals a second chance as we move ahead in the future. At this time, I would like to thank those committed volunteers - Jason and Kayla Haack of Abby's Normal's Museum of the Strange, Dorothy Callahan, Mina Mae, Jim Carlson, and Sandy Bickett for attempting to give the people a stronger voice. We also have to give a special shoutout to our small business partners: The Garage Bar, Comfort King Mattress Factory, David's Auto Care, Faith Temple Food Give-a-Way, Terror 29 in Brandon, Designer Dentistry of Sioux Falls, Grace & Truth Ministries, and for opening up their businesses as locations to sign the petition. It was not for a lack of effort, we all made a valiant effort. I am proud of all our volunteers, business leaders, and those who took the time out of their day to sign. God willing, this Animal Collection will stay in Sioux Falls.
Sincerely,
Mike Zitterich
Concerned Citizens of Sioux Falls
Save the Brockhouse Animals
