Seekonk Animal Sheler Gets Its $100,000 Despite Objections

Residents approved $100,000 for improvements, renovations and expansion of the Seekonk Animal Shelter during Monday night's Fall Town Meeting, but not without opposition.

Selectman Francis Cavaco said the 30-year-old building is not in compliance with health and safety codes, is not handicapped accessible and that the conditions inside “would make you sick,” particular the rat infestation in the building.

Animal Control Officer Sharonlynne Hall said the building has had no upgrades in the past 30 years and is sorely in need of repair.

“Band-Aids can’t hold it together anymore,” said Hall.

The proposal’s appearance on the warrant was a point of contention for some, as they felt its late addition and lack of concrete plans circumvented the Capital Improvements Committee.

“It is well intentioned, but it is premature,” said Lauren Walsh, chairwoman of the Capital Improvements Committee. “A no vote would result is a responsible and much more efficient facility.”

Walsh said her committee was only given three weeks to prepare and that there were only partial plans and no outline for spending.

“The project has tremendous merit, but it should not be voted on at this meeting,” said resident Carol Bragg, who said the town should only be voting on financial matters at the Spring Town Meeting.

Arthur Foulkes said he was in support of the article and was the sole member of the Capital Improvements Committee to vote in support of it when it was presented to the group.

“What you do by knocking this down is delay the potential for moving forward,” said Foulkes.

In response to the idea that the shelter was trying to circumvent the Capital Improvements Committee, Parker pointed out that the shelter asked for $80,000 for renovations in 2007.

“If this is supposed to work its way through the system, where has it been since 2007?” asked Parker.