Minden City Council Approves Construction of New Animal Shelter

Minden City Council Greenlights New Animal Shelter!

Hey there, Minden residents! Big news was made during the latest Minden City Council meeting held on Monday—brace yourselves because our furry friends are getting a brand-new home! The council voted 4-0-1 to award the contract for the construction of a much-anticipated Animal Control Facility to a company based in Keithville, Blackrock Construction. The winning bid, which came in at $294,185, was significantly less than the runner-up bid of $383,000 from James L. David Construction.

Why This Matters

Mayor Nick Cox expressed his desire to support local businesses, saying, “Obviously, we would prefer to give it to a local company, but there is quite a difference in the bids, and we have to be good stewards of this money.” With construction costs always being a hot topic, this decision helps balance financial responsibility with community support.

The new facility is designed to be about 1,800 square feet under roof, with half of that space dedicated to offices and the remainder reserved for animal care. This means there will be room for 10 indoor canine kennels—that’s double what our current shelter can accommodate! Plus, there’s even going to be a designated space for our feline friends.

Keeping an Eye on the Details

Now, while it’s easy to get excited about the new building, Mayor Cox pointed out that the real challenge lies in getting the drainage just right. “The building itself is not the biggest issue,” he noted. “The drainage is the biggest concern. That’s what we will be watching closest.” It’s clear that ensuring a smooth construction process is essential when it comes to wet weather and proper facility usage.

Funding the Project

In terms of funding, money for the animal shelter will come through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The council has a deadline of December 31 to either use or designate these funds. With this timeline in mind, District D Councilman Michael Roy, the project chairman, emphasized the importance of keeping things on track. “I’ve looked forward to this shelter for a long time,” he said. “I don’t want to delay it and chance losing that money.”

The Road Ahead

While everyone was excited to move forward, Councilman Andy Pendergrass had some reservations. He abstained from voting, expressing that he felt uneasy about awarding the project to an outlier in the bids. “I would’ve rather tabled the vote and gathered more information,” he noted, but also acknowledged the hard work put in by Councilman Roy. “I respect his efforts,” he added, proving that while disagreements may arise, the focus remains on making progress for our community.

With construction expected to launch soon, Minden is on the brink of welcoming a more spacious and accommodating Animal Control Facility that will serve both the community and its furry inhabitants. While some council members may have had their doubts, the general consensus is clear: Minden is ready to step up for our animals! Stay tuned for updates on the progress, and let’s cheer on this new venture for our city!

As always, we encourage our local community to stay informed and engaged. Let’s rally together for our pets!