Perry to discuss future of animal shelter

The future of Perry’s animal shelter is scheduled for discussion Monday by the City Council as it considers the recent building donated to the shelter from Houston Healthcare.

The 24-by-54-foot modular building was moved last week from Houston Medical Center in Warner Robins to the shelter on Ball Street. Formerly a temporary doctor’s lounge, the building will be used as the shelter’s office.

The building was donated amid the council’s exploration of alternatives for animal control. The current shelter is in disrepair and was recently deemed unacceptable by Mayor Jimmy Faircloth. City Council has discussed outsourcing such services to Warner Robins or building a new facility in a different location, an option that would cost the city an estimated $650,000.

However, City Manager Lee Gilmour will offer the council another option that would cost about $450,000.

“The proposal that’s going to council would be we stay at that same site and construct a new canine holding facility only, which will be less than what’s been presented previously to the council,” Gilmour said. “The mayor’s stray animal task force has met, and they approve of the site and the proposed concept plan.”

In the proposed plan, the current administrative offices would be relocated on site and also house cats. A new canine housing facility would include 30 runs, a quarantine room, an exam room, a restroom, laundry room and mechanical room, according to a memo from Gilmour to the council.

In other business, the council is scheduled Monday to consider a change of venue for next year’s Perry Music Festival.

“The main promoter of the event feels that the current location of Rotary Centennial Park may be too small for future activities and is suggesting it be moved to the city’s Heritage Park which is on U.S. 341 North on the other side of (interstate) 75,” Gilmour said.

Should the council decide to relocate the festival, Gilmour said Heritage Park would require some minor road work and extension of power lines.

“There’s nothing out there now. It’s just an open field,” Gilmour said.

In other business, the council will consider extending the sidewalk on Tucker Road. Currently, the sidewalk ends at Frank Satterfield Road, but the new design extends it by about a half mile to Barbara Calhoun Park. Should the council approve the design, the city will be ready to bid, Gilmour said.

To contact writer Laura Corley, call 744-4334 or follow her on Twitter @Lauraecor.

This story was originally published October 3, 2015 at 8:25 PM with the headline "Perry to discuss future of animal shelter ."