City council begins process for stray animal ordinances

First readings for several animal-related ordinances and a date for municipal court changing hands to county associate circuit court were discussed by the Houston City Council on Monday. 

ANIMAL ORDINANCES PASSED

Members conducted first readings on ordinances declaring stray and feral animals a public nuisance, making it unlawful for people to harbor or feed public nuisance animals and outlining what constitutes a public nuisance animal. 

The ordinances are an effort to reduce the presence of stray animals that damage property, chase vehicles, attack domestic animals and create unsanitary conditions, among other concerns. 

Ordinances pertaining to penalties and disposition of the animals were postponed to make amendments. Once approved, those ordinances will outline the fees for those harboring or feeding nuisance animals and adopt a strategy to either have the animals taken to a no-kill shelter or spayed/neutered. In future years, the city intends to budget for spaying/neutering and marking stray animals. It is estimated that about 50 are dealt with annually. 

A nuisance violation letter was sent to the owner of an old mill near the elementary school due to the facility allegedly harboring multiple stray animals. 

OTHER MATTERS

• Members approved an ordinance that authorizes the mayor to apply for federal financial assistance with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission on behalf of Houston. 
• Sheila Walker, Ward II alderwoman, questioned a $1,242 expense to repair a dunking booth for the fire department. Lloyd Wells, administrator, is looking into it. 
• Wells and Mayor Sam Kelley are meeting with the owner of two Grand Avenue buildings south of a health food store on Thursday to discuss corrective actions. 
• The city’s south water tower has been painted and the north tower has been drained to be washed out and cleaned. 
• The council plans to do a utilities rate study to determine fair pricing for residential, commercial and industrial users. The cost of a study is about $27,000. Several expressed interest in having a multiyear plan to determine rates rather than voting on the matter each year. 
• A commuter parking lot on Walnut Street across from the visitors center will receive chip seal treatment. Once that is complete, a gravel road on South U.S. 63 that services a restaurant, sports store, flea market and other businesses will be chip sealed. 
• Sean Smith, attorney, stated that municipal court will officially switch to the county associate circuit court on Sept. 1. The council earlier voted to make the move.
• Wells believes that work on a sewer project near Hungry Holler will begin soon after Town & Country Supermarket approved an easement. 
• A hole at Indian Creek Trail and Arrowhead Lane is being repaired before it is asphalted.

Ward I Alderman Adam Vandiver was absent from the meeting. The meeting adjourned into closed session at 6:15 p.m.