Montville — The Town Council on Monday night made several motions in regard to the animal control facility and changes to other approved COVID-19 pandemic relief fund items.

In January, the council approved $800,000 to build a new animal control facility using American Rescue Plan funds. The current one has failed inspections for years. On Monday night, council Chairman Tom McNally said those funds might not be enough. He said the town is working to determine the actual price, seeing as there are many state requirements the facility has to meet.

The council approved a motion to establish a fund for the facility, so residents could donate if they want to. The council also authorized the finance director to solicit bids for architectural drawings for the new facility.

Prior to making these motions, Councilor Lenny Bunnell attempted to add a motion in the agenda to create a building committee for the facility but a majority of his fellow council members voted against it.

In his closing remarks, Bunnell admitted to being disappointed the town does not have a building committee for the "big-dollar" project. He said a committee is needed for discussions with a set objective and goals.

"We need one," he said. "If we don't have one, it's a recipe for disaster."

McNally said a building committee typically is formed to determine a location and other details the town already has. He said once the time calls for it, the town will hire a clerk of the works to oversee the project and assure the building's proper construction.

The council on Monday night amended the January list of approved ARP expenditures, removing the $100,000 allocated to purchase rapid at-home test kits. McNally said the federal government provides the tests, so that money will be allocated elsewhere.

The council also approved $1,500 for youth services to add to its previously approved $5,000 from October. Councilor Alfred Mandler said the funds are for work stations and rolling desks for the youth center for after-school tutoring.

A Power Up charging trailer, approved with COVID-19 relief funds last October, also was up for discussion Monday night. Roughly costing $123,000, the trailer can charge more than 60 cellphones. Mayor Ron McDaniel said it could be used for community events, carnivals and emergencies.

In a 4-3 vote, the council voted to not waive the sealed bid requirement for the charging trailer. McDaniel said he was looking to remove the requirement because there was only one Maine company that makes the trailer.

The Republican majority spoke against the expense, stating it would not be easily accessible during bad weather.

Democratic Councilor May said a bad storm a few years ago left many with no way to charge their phones and it showed the need for a device such as the trailer.

Councilor Colleen Rix said she understands the device could have a use for the community but it is "somewhat frivolous," and people could easily charge their phones in their car. She added people would be tied to the station to charge their phones at community events instead of enjoying the events.

McDaniel said he had pushed for the trailer on account of requests from many of the current councilors.

With the bid requirement not waived and only one place that manufactures the trailer, McNally said the money for the trailer probably would be pulled for other uses at the next Ad-Hoc COVID-19 Impact Study Committee.

j.vazquez@theday.com