Flaggs and Mayfield both scouting locations for a new animal shelter, but not together

Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. and North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield are both working to select a new animal shelter site, but not together.

Flaggs met with Animal Control Supervisor Kacie Lindsey this morning to discuss new locations for the animal shelter. Mayfield was not at the meeting.

Of two primary locations, they all but ruled out one of them. The former rubber recycling plant location on U.S. Highway 61 South was seen as problematic for several reasons: The soil is suspect, it sits in a flood plain, there may be sewer issues, and it is a long way for city residents to drive to volunteer or adopt a family pet.

Flaggs and Lindsey favored a location on Oak Street, site of the former Maynard’s Landscaping. It is in the heart of the city, the size of the lot is good, and the landowner is willing to work with the city to transfer the property. The property’s price was not mentioned.

At a well-attended meeting earlier this month, Vicksburg resident Marilyn Terry brought up the idea of a prefab structure that is being used in other locations. Flaggs and Lindsey agreed that the structure would be alright for the dogs—maybe—but not for other shelter animals. Additionally, Lindsey is not having any luck finding a good reference for the structures.

“I can’t find anyone that has, um, actually purchased them,” she said.

Lindsey did offer up her idea of how a shelter should look. The current shelter is outdated and sits in a floodplain, two reasons a new site is being sought by the city. It had been adapted from a dog-food manufacturing company.

A third location on Holly Street was mentioned, but it is in the early stages of development. A prominent member of the adjacent House of Peace Worship Church had strong opposition to using the property for an animal shelter.

This Holly Street property =is under consideration for relocating the animal shelter.

Alderman Mayfield was not at the meeting between Flaggs and Lindsey although the shelter falls under his responsibilities. “I didn’t know anything about them having a meeting this morning,” he said.

“I’ve been meeting with Kacie [Lindsey],” he added. “I met with Miss Terry the other day and Jeff [Richardson]. She’s working on some stuff for me.”

Mayfield said he has been looking at all three locations discussed by Flaggs and Lindsey.

North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield at his desk this morning, Feb. 27, 2020.

“The Mayor is having meetings on it and at the same time, I’m having meetings on it,” he said. “So, you know, one hand doesn’t actually know what the other hand is doing. I’m supposed to be the one heading this thing up. If the Mayor feels he wants to head it up, I don’t have a problem with that. Not at all. But make your mind up and who is going to head it up and who is going to do what.”

In spite of an apparent miscommunication issue at the top levels, both Flaggs and Mayfield are working toward getting a new animal shelter for Vicksburg.