Web posted
Monday, December 1, 2008
Animal license back on agenda
Bt JAMES JORDAN
Traveler Editor
news@arkcity.net
The dog and cat licensing ordinance is again on the city's agenda this week.
City commissioners will discuss this and other matters at its worksession meeting at 5:30 today. The city's regular meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The matter was put off earlier as commissioners wanted to confer with veterinarians. They were wanting to have veterinarians sell the licenses when animals are vaccinated.
Since that time police officers have suggested raising the fine for having a vicious or biting dog from $150 to $300. According to a memo prepared by Lt. Tom Scott, the city has had 62 violations for vicious dogs or for having pit bulls. In 2007 there were 58 violations. He noted that even though Pit Bulls are illegal, there is still a problem with them and with vicious dogs in general.
They believe stiffer penalties might help make dog owners keep better control of their animals.
City officials want to require licensing as a way of keeping track of animals, and to help find owners of animals. The license fee will be $5 for neutered dogs and cats, and $10 for those not neutered.
In other matters, commissioners are expected to:
* Adopt ordinance authorizing special one-half percent citywide retailers' sales tax for the hospital. This was approved by voters in the last election, and the ordinance will make it official. The tax will start being collected next April.
* Adopt an ordinance authorizing special one-half percent citywide retailers' Street sales tax.
* Present beautification advisory board's good neighbor awards.
* Pass a resolution authorizing renewal of the agreement with Reaching Out Consultation Services, Inc.
* Approve the renewal of cereal malt beverage licenses for 2009.
* Consider revised boundary resolution for 2008. This is a state-required definition of the city's boundaries. It has to be done every year to include any annexations or de-annexations done during the year.
* Approve an ordinance adopting new storm water regulations.
* Approve a resolution adopting revised Personnel Policy Handbook.
* Approve the mayor's appointments to city boards.
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