SWC Council Discusses Unlicensed Animals, Medical Marijuana
Southwest City council members made headway on getting the city’s animal control issue under control during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
Unregistered animals, most notably dogs, have become an issue in city limits. When found roaming, the dogs are taken to the city pound where they are held for seven days. If unclaimed at the end of seven days, the dogs are re-homed through Tailwaggers, at a cost to the city.
The council has made a recent push to enforce the city’s animal control and licensing ordinance in an attempt to prevent at-large animals from disturbing residents or destroying property and to expedite an animal’s return to its owner or a stray animal’s re-homing.
Mayor David Blake also highlighted the health hazards presented by unvaccinated, at-large animals in an area with abundant wildlife.
According to the city’s animal licensing ordinance, those having custody of any dog over 6 months of age must obtain an animal license; licenses are valid for one year, and dogs must wear identification tags at all times.
In order to receive a license, pet owners must provide their name and address, description of the animal, a rabies vaccine certificate issued by a licensed party and the appropriate fee. The cost is $5 for an unneutered or unspayed animal and $3 for a neutered or spayed animal.
Police Chief Bud Gow recently took initiative and began enforcing the licensing ordinance. He went door-to-door, identifying animals in each home and issuing a court summons for unlicensed animals. He said more than 270 unregistered animals were identified and 48 summons were issued. The summons will be voided if the animal is licensed before the court date.
Gow also noted that Officer Rick Lance warned residents of the enforcement via tickets one week prior.
“This ordinance is just as important as ensuring lawns are mowed and monitoring speed,” Gow said. “A law is a law.”
Alderman Craig Martin asked that council members be made aware of future citywide action in order to answer questions asked of him by residents.
Alderman Karen Wallgren inquired about the city’s livestock ordinance, noting that she was unable to locate one, and Gow provided her with a copy.
According to the city’s livestock ordinance, it is unlawful to keep any hogs within city limits unless they are confined at a distance of at least 300 feet from the boundary line of any adjoining properties; it is unlawful to keep livestock within the city limits if, by so doing, it creates a situation which would cause pollution of the air or runoff into the public or private drainage ditches to the detriment of other inhabitants; and any person who violates either of the above shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of $100 to $500 and the city may demand the livestock be removed.
Gow addressed the council regarding recent elections and the passing of Amendment 2 which legalizes medical marijuana.
Gow said with the passing of medical marijuana usage, he expects recreational usage to be passed within the next two years and suggested council members begin brainstorming an ordinance regarding the use of medical marijuana in the city.
“It’s legal to take medicine in public, but taking pills is different than smoking a joint,” he said.
Gow recommended an ordinance prohibiting medical marijuana use in public spaces, similar to the city’s ordinance that prohibits open containers in the park. The council discussed various ripple-effects and possible ramifications of legalization.
“I never thought we’d be talking about this at a meeting,” said Alderman Karen Wallgren.
Gow noted there will be challenges ahead but encouraged the council to be proactive.
“I’ve fought this problem [marijuana] for 33-plus years,” Gow said. “I’m going to have to be re-educated on how to deal with this.”
Departmental Reports
Mayor Blake updated council members on the topic of tax collection by the county. He said it seems city clerks will collect city taxes rather than the county.
Fire Chief Shane Clark reported conducting a fire prevention demonstration at the school.
On the public works side, Director Clark said the salt spreader is prepared to keep the streets clear and safe in the event of inclement weather. He noted the Christmas lights are ready to be installed and asked the council when the lights should be lit. Council members agreed it would be best to hang the lights before Thanksgiving — if the weather allows — and light them the day after Thanksgiving.
Clark also reported repairing a significant water leak at 818 S. Main Street.
City Clerk Missy Zinn inquired about renting out the fire station for holiday events. Fire Chief Clark opted not to rent the building until further renovations can be completed following the recent roof repair.
Zinn noted elections are coming up and three seats will be up for grabs: the position of mayor, currently held by David Blake; West Ward alderman, currently held by Steve Reece; and East Ward alderman, currently held by Gloria Armstrong.
Zinn reported reviewing the city employee handbook for updates. She noted it was last updated in September of 2007.
Zinn updated council members on the subject of requiring proof of city tax payment to acquire car tags. She said the action would require the passing of a House bill and a Senate bill which would also mandate that each city in Missouri do so as well.
In other business, the council approved a letter of support for Clerk Zinn, endorsing her for a scholarship to training in March — expenses for the meeting will be denied unless a full scholarship is granted; and received a rough draft of the proposed 2019 budget.