Following a recent incident involving an aggressive dog, the City of Sylvester discussed adopting an ordinance concerning vicious dogs and dog attacks during their work session for November last Monday evening. Attorney Tommy Coleman explained options for requiring additional insurance for owners of dangerous or vicious dogs. For example, a dog owner may be required to maintain a $50,000 insurance policy. Coleman also mentioned that he had researched ordinances on “tethering” an animal, and he suggested that dog owners be prohibited from keeping their animals chained for more than a few hours per day.
The council heard from Animal Control Officer Sherri Hendley and Best Friends Humane Society Director Shelly McPhaul concerning the matter. The animal control officer explained that there are several options for implementing this ordinance. She also explained that the tether device is not a chain or rope. It is a cable that runs from one stationary object to another.
She also explained that the last four dog bite cases in which animal controlled was called involved a female in heat, and a male that broke its chain. She suggested keeping female dogs securely enclosed in a fence or home while they are in heat.
“It is proven through research and statistics that dogs that live their life on chains are much more aggressive,” the animal control officer said. “Eighty-five percent of bites are usually caused by a dog that gets off a chain… If people are just going to get them and put them out on a chain and leave them, it’s not really the humane thing to do for an animal. The dogs become more aggressive, so we end up with more dog bites and more people being bitten.”
The proposed ordinance would be advertised for six months to allow residents the opportunity to prepare. Then animal control would begin writing citations.
In other news from the work session, Steven Rakestraw addressed the council concerning a bid package for development of Irene P. Hall Park. The plans include a walking trail, a playground in the center of the area, and a couple of pavilions. Rakestraw also discussed possibilities for lighting, water fountains, and restroom facilities in the park.
Rakestraw also discussed the sidewalk project on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Sylvester. Originally, the plan was to simply add a curb, gutter, and sidewalk to the road, but DoT has determined that some major renovations on the road will need to be constructed before the sidewalks can be added. The changes would also double cost estimates on the project to approximately $800,000. He also stated that the DoT made clear that “they would not take any design exceptions” on the project.
Next, Sylvester Fire Chief Jack Colby proposed an annual fire inspection program for the city’s businesses. Currently, buildings are only inspected when there is a change of occupancy or new construction. Colby said the inspection would look for emergency lighting, exit signs, fire walls, fire extinguishers, range suppression systems, and sprinkler systems.
Upon hearing the chief’s proposal, Councilman Larry Johnson asked if the inspections would be random, and Chief Colby responded that the annual inspection would be scheduled with each occupant. Then, Councilman Randy Hill asked if these systems, including fire extinguishers and sprinklers, would be required. At this, Colby stated that the extinguishers would be required, but sprinkler systems would only be required during new construction or a major renovation.
Mayor Bill Yearta suggested giving a grace period to ensure that all business owners are aware of the codes before issuing citations, and Colby reassured the council,
“I want to make that as clear as I can. I am not interested in citations; I am interested in helping a person improve and make sure it’s as safe as possible.”
The chief also stated that the requirements would not apply to single family dwellings.
Next, the council discussed adding an online option for paying utility bills. A link would be attached to www.cityofsylvester.com. A service fee of $2.95 would be added to the bill if paid online. This fee covers the first $150 of the bill; after the initial charge, the online option will cost .95 percent up to $1,000. The service would cost $299 to set up in addition to a $25 activation fee for the city. The city would then pay $75 per month. Because of the high cost to the customer, Mayor Yearta suggested searching for other alternatives before making a decision on the matter.
And, the council heard from Gregory Shipp concerning Courtney Street. According to Mr. Shipp, there needs to be an access road as there is currently only one way in or out and that passage could easily be blocked. The council agreed to look into the matter and determine the best course of action.
There was also concern for the electronic meter reading system that the city has discussed installing. Apparently the technology for the system could become obsolete in a few years which may force the city to upgrade again in the near future. The council agreed to look into the matter further before making a decision.
Then, City Attorney Tommy Coleman discussed carrying guns into city council meetings. Coleman stated that a guard would have to be placed at the entrance to screen everyone entering the building. The council members agreed to put the matter on the agenda for the upcoming regular meeting.
The city’s attorney also brought information to the council concerning previous agreements between the city and county signed in 1999 and again in 2008. According to the service agreement, the county should create a special tax district for fire protection among Worth residents who live outside of the city limits. Upon hearing this, Mayor Yearta also brought up the county’s current initiative of charging insurance companies for responding to emergency calls within the city. Coleman agreed that he did not believe the method of collecting revenue was right either.
The city council will hold their next regular meeting on Monday, November 17th at 7:00p.m.