Like larger cities small towns face the problems of finding stray animals, left behind without good homes.  However smaller towns struggle to find a solution as to what to do with animals once they are found because animal shelters are not located within close proximity of city limits.  

Mayor Paul Jennings said that as of last year, 15 dogs and three cats have been rescued in Argo.  But Argo has no designated place to bring in rescued strays. Jennings said people in Argo often move away, leaving behind their pets.

And animals that do find their way into shelters, few find their way into loving homes.  The U.S. Humane Society estimates 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year, and 3 to 4 million are euthanized.

Although the Town of Argo pays the Pell City Animal Shelter $4,000 per year to provide a place to bring in rescued animals, the town lacks the means to get them there.

“Argo is responsible for taking animals to the shelter, but the problem is we don’t have the manpower to hold them until someone comes to pick them up.”

Jennings proposed the town construct two pens for holding animals up to 24 hours until they can be taken to the Pell City shelter.

“This is the first step toward trying to make things better,” Jennings said.

At Wednesday’s regular council meeting, the council approved allotting $1,500 for the construction of two holding pens for rescued animals.

April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month, and individuals searching for a new addition to the family are encouraged to rescue pets from shelters.  Inga Frickle, director of sheltering issues for the U.S. Humane Society says even though the majority of the public is in favor of adopting from shelters, only an estimated 20 percent actually do.

In other actions at Wednesday’s meeting, the council:

—Entered into agreement with St. Clair County to apply for FEMA funding to help reimburse the county for debris cleanup resulting from the Jan. tornado.  The county has incurred an expense of $39,200 but provided cleanup services at no cost to Argo.

—Approved the request to allocate funds to install a flagpole provided by the senior citizens and the electrical work to light the flagpole.  The council approved allocating up to $5,000 to be taken from the town’s AM fund for concrete work to secure the pole and power for lighting.

—Approved using $375 to be taken from the two-cent gas tax fund for the purchase of portable emergency lights for safety and municipal use.

—Approved the Memorandum of Understanding regarding the outdoor warning sirens in which the town is responsible for the maintenance and operation of sirens within the municipality and any additional sirens they may obtain in the future.

—Approved and signed an agreement for six emergency alert radios to be turned over to the fire department by St. Clair EMA.

—Entered into an agreement with St. Clair County to begin accepting bids for partial bricking of the city hall and sign placement by the road located at 100 Blackjack Road.  Bids are for labor only.  Bids will open at the next Wednesday morning meeting in April.  

 —After holding a public hearing Monday night regarding Zoning Ordinance 2008-210 which includes Sec. 517: Manufactured Homes, the council had a first public reading.  Council will vote on the ordinance following a second reading.

—Mayor Jennings requested a committee be put together to hold a fundraiser to purchase playground equipment for the park.