Harper Woods keeps animal-shelter contract tabled as residents press council for clarity and support

The Harper Woods City Council left a proposed contract with GPAS tabled after more than a dozen residents spoke at the meeting urging the city either to support the animal shelter or to clarify how animal control will be handled if the shelter is not used.

The discussion matters to residents because GPAS provides local animal intake, medical care and spay/neuter services, and several speakers said the city currently relies on the nonprofit to handle stray and injured animals. Acting City Manager Shamansky told the council the item remains tabled while staff meets with other agencies and gathers additional documents the city requested.

During the public comment period, residents gave mixed but predominantly supportive remarks about GPAS. Laurie Sheridan, a Harper Woods resident of 43 years, thanked the council for tabling the previous proposal and said the earlier offer “was not a good deal for the city of Harper Woods” and that she appreciated the council’s decision to delay action.

Krist…