Three residents raised concerns over proposed animal control ordinances at Monday’s council meeting, prompting the city to delay a vote on impoundment rules due to vague language. While measures to define and prohibit nuisance animals advanced, officials agreed that further clarification is needed before finalizing enforcement procedures.
ANIMAL ORDINANCES
Three residents – Paul Goldenstern, Whitney Christeson and James Forbes – provided public comments on ordinances related to stray/feral animals. Goldenstern disapproved of feeding the animals being a finable offense. He stated that a trap, neuter and return approach is better. Christeson – who had to put down a pet due to a dog attack in November – asked about containing animals that pose a threat to the community. Forbes stated that language clarifying what happens when a nuisance animal is impounded should be added before passing an ordinance.
The council did second and final readings of Bills 101 (declaring stray/feral animals nuisances), 102 (prohibiting persons from harboring, feeding or maintaining a nuisance animal) and 103 (defining a nuisance animal). A first reading took place for Bill 104 (penalties).
A decision on Bill 105 (impoundment) was postponed – with Ward I Alderman Adam Vandiver and Ward III Alderwoman Kim Bittle voting no.
“This is a little too general for me to vote for,” said Ward III Alderman Don Romines. Sean Smith, city attorney, agreed that the language is too vague. The bill was referred to the police and fire committee to be clarified.
EMMETT KELLY UPDATE
Brenda Senter, event organizer, reported that Emmett Kelly Festival revenues were about $1,000 shy of last year’s earnings, due to fewer vendors, sponsors and runners. She highlighted the success of school programs, a meet and greet event and business success stories. She thanked Kayla Gaston for bringing runners to the 5k, Adam Vandiver for organizing a car show and several others for their efforts. Senter plans to donate leftover 2023 T-shirts to Fostering by Faith.
Updates on future events included that next year the Friday before the festival will be Emmett Kelly Day at Houston Schools, a grant for a sculpture has been submitted and a bill to designate the last Saturday in April as Emmett Kelly Day in Missouri awaits the governor’s signature. Other efforts include acquiring banners, getting a special U.S. Postal Service (USPS) stamp, a sign at Forbes Pharmacy, lodging promotion and finding volunteers for these projects.
OTHER MATTERS
- Two certificates of deposit (CDs) – one with an approximate value of $58,000 at The Bank of Houston and another at about $107,000 at Simmons Bank – were approved to move to West Plains Bank for a 12 month, 4.2 percent interest rate.
- Closing Main Street from Grand to First was approved from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12 for a Mean Muggin Coffee Bar block party.
- The purchase of a $7,000 40-foot container with side doors to store fire department gear and other training facility items was approved. According to Lloyd Wells, administrator, $17,000 was budgeted. Ward III Alderman Don Romines voted no, citing a lack of bids.
- Wells stated that three bids have been received for a utilities rate study. The utility committee will provide a recommendation.
- The owner of two buildings south of a health food store on Grand Avenue has stated that the buildings will be secured and improvements will be made, said Wells. The administrator believes there is structural damage.
- Jennifer Gabel, Evans Sports owner, voiced concerns about a potential stop sign change at C.W. Harry and Industrial drives. Romines stated opposition to the change. Other board members agreed. No change is being made at this time.
- Jonathan Smith, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) traffic studies specialist for Texas County, said arrows will be added in the left lane after the intersection of W. Route 17 and U.S. 63 to direct merging. According to Smith, the process could take months. Merging directions for northbound and southbound traffic vary due to a First Street entry from U.S. 63, said Smith. Brenda McGowen provided public comments on a highway merging situation previously reported to MoDOT without a response. Smith said he’d work with her.
- A voltage box that is consistently under water after rainfall was stated to belong to the city – not Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association, as previously stated. The city does not believe it to be a danger but is working with Piney Township to clean out a nearby culvert and dig the ditches deeper. Ward I Alderman Fred Stottlemyre stated that the city needs to take better care of its ditches.
- Senter plans to put together a website and Facebook page with resources to improve health outcomes in the area. She asked for the city to help promote the pages on its website. Additionally, she plans to host informative sessions.
The meeting adjourned into closed session at 7:11 p.m.
