Animal control still topic for Alto council
BY SHARON HOGAN
Alto council members continue to work on the adoption of an animal control ordinance for the city.
A public hearing was held on Tuesday, Nov. 13, prior to the council meeting to hear public input concerning the proposed ordinance. No action was taken.
Several residents attended the meeting to hear the proposed ordinance. The ordinance will deal with animals in both Habersham and Banks counties.
The proposed ordinance would create the position of animal control officer. This person would also serve as dog control officer. The proposed ordinance also establishes the duties of the officer, as well as the regulations for the vaccination of dogs and cats and the confinement, disposition and humane disposal of dogs. Other areas included in the ordinance are: provide for the regulating of animals and fowl running at large; to provide for the classification and registration of dangerous dogs and potentially dangerous dogs in the incorporated areas of the town of Alto; to require for requirements for possessing such dogs; and to provide grounds for the confiscation and disposition of such dogs.
Alto Mayor Audrey Turner said that the agreement would be a part of Habersham County Animal Control and an inter-governmental agreement would need to be in place before the ordinance is adopted.
Alto resident Ronnie Johns told the council that he was proud to see all the council members working together on this issue.
Council member Cathy Armour told the residents in attendance, “It’s nice to have people attend our meetings.” She encouraged them to attend the regular council meetings.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business at Tuesday’s meeting:
•the council approved an end of year bonus for all employees. Full-time employees will receive a week’s pay and part-time employees will receive the amount of the average for a week’s pay.
•Turner told code enforcement office Joe Davidson that he might have to go out to some residences that have multi houses on one water meter and explain the letter that was sent out on this issue. Some of the residents are unclear about the problem.
•Turner reported that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division is requiring the city to install back flow valves on the water meters and get the issue with the multi connection meters straightened out.
•Turner announced the annual Christmas tree lighting program to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, at city hall.
•Turner reminded the council of the annual employee/council Christmas dinner to be held on Friday, Dec. 7, at Apple Pie Ridge Lodge.
•Turner also urged all council members to attend the Habersham County Inter-governmental meeting to be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Filedale. The event will be hosted by the city of Baldwin.
•Turner urged everyone in attendance to take a look at the proposed comprehensive plan that Habersham County is working on. Turner said, “Everyone needs to take a look at this, it will affect your town.”
The next regularly scheduled council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at city hall.
