September 15, 2024

Committee formed to explore new building, dog park for city pound

By REGINA SMITH

The Creston City pound does not have enough space or proper facilities, Mycale Downey of Creston Animal Rescue Effort said at the Aug. 4 city council meeting. She is forming a committee to explore purchasing a new building. (CNA photo)

No climate control, inadequate space for animals, no space for grooming and no bathroom top the list of reasons why Mycale Downey with Creston Animal Rescue Effort said a new and larger building is needed to house the Creston’s city pound and animal shelter.

Downey appeared before the Creston City Council Aug. 4 to discuss the need for more space and better accommodations for the shelter. She also discussed adding a dog park for the animals to use for exercise that would also be open to the public. There is space outside of the current building that would work for a dog park, but it would need cleared and fenced before being used.

Downey said she would rather wait to begin fundraising for a dog park once the matter of a building has been settled.

A committee was formed to look at the possibility of purchasing the former Southern Hills Veterinary building at the intesection of Highway 34 and Cromwell Road to move the city shelter there. Tom Collin with Animal Rescue League will help with fundraising. Southern Iowa Council of Governments will help with grant funding. Jon Moberg will be their real estate advisor. Council member Brenda Lyell-Keate will represent the city council.

Most grants would require city backing, Downey said, either in the form of financial backing or city involvement.

City Administrator Mike Taylor said the cost of the project would exceed the amount that is allocated for the shelter each year.

“It’s not anywhere close to what will likely be needed,” he said.

Taylor added that SICOG would be helpful in finding small grants to work towards raising the money.

Downey said at this point she did not have an estimate of the funds needed. The committee will discuss asking the current owners of the building, Adams County Veterinary Services, to hold it for them while they raise money and/or the possibility of lowering the price.

“I think it’s a worthwhile project,” council member Matt Levine said. “It seems like it’s in the absolutely beginning phases.”

Mayor Gabe Carroll said Downey and the committee should gather more information and come back to the council.

The Creston City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The council is currently meeting via Zoom electronic platform. To view the agenda and the web address for the meeting on Aug. 18, visit https://www.crestoniowa.gov/2170/City-Council.