Advance aldermen hear more dog complaints

Dog issues are once more a topic of concern at Advance Board of Aldermen meetings, as residents complain of unfettered animals with free access to their yards. Also of concern are owners who do not "pick up" after their dogs. Mayor Ritter reminded residents that there is an ordinance required such "pick up," and they are "subject to fines," if they do not carry a bag for such purposes.

The Dec. 2, 2013 Advance Board of Aldermen meeting, rescheduled from November, revolved around two issues--zoning legalities and dogs.

Previous meetings, most notably the one on March 18 of this year, dealt primarily with the issue of noise pollution. Citizen complaints about barking dogs prompted city leaders to attempt a two-dog limit. However, after a community uproar and media attention from throughout Missouri, the council enlisted the advice of a local group to write a newer, less restrictive ordinance.

On Monday night, the dog issue revolved around the mess left in yards by loose dogs and, yes, even dogs on leashes. An elderly resident told the board that she cannot walk in her yard because dogs have defecated everywhere. She explained that neighbor dogs are allowed to run free, using her yard to relieve themselves. Dogs being walked on leashes are also allowed to use her yard for their business. Another neighbor was unable to put out a garden this year, because of the dogs.

The problem exists in the parks, as well--whether dogs are loose or on leashes.

"The city has an ordinance stating that if you walk your dog, you're supposed to carry a bag to collect their feces," stated Mayor Ritter. "If you don't take care of their mess, you're subject to fines, but the police can't follow a person around to give them a ticket."

Mayor Ritter admitted that another resident in a new subdivision had complained of the same problem with dog feces.

"We can't do anything if you don't sign a complaint," Mayor Ritter explained. "If we receive a signed complaint, we can issue a warning. If the problem continues, we can issue a fine."

As for trying to enforce loose dog restrictions, Ritter reported that the Missouri State Department of Agriculture dog pound regulations are so strict that they've even shut down the Bollinger County Stray Project facility near Zalma. Marilyn Neville's facility has served Bollinger, Stoddard, Wayne, Cape Girardeau, Scott, and Stoddard County for several years. A Tuesday morning call to Mrs. Neville revealed that she has not yet been shut down but is experiencing some serious issues with the Department of Agriculture. (More will be reported on this issue as information becomes available.)

"The Department of Agriculture shut down our pound, too, if you remember," Ritter said.

In other issues, Mark and Pam Richmond were present at the meeting to find out if the city was going to allow a business to locate on Sturdivant Street across from their home in an area zoned residential.

"If you start 'spot zoning,' you're going to have problems," stated Pam Richmond.

Mayor Ritter reported that the individuals wanting to open the business--Chester and Emma Powers--had decided to withdraw their petition to open the used furniture business.

"They'll just have yard sales there," said Ritter. "They're going to put in a gravel parking lot and landscape the area real nice."

"Isn't there an ordinance prohibiting 'continuous' yard sales?" asked Pam Richmond.

Mayor Ritter and Alderman Page agreed to check the ordinances governing yard sales.

At one point, the mayor indicated that a previous owner had sold antiques from the shed on the property.

"Yes, and the City shut him down, after we complained," said Mark Richmond. "He didn't have a business license. That property has never been commercial. The City needs to plan what they want for the future, ten years or so down the road. They need to be orderly about how the city grows."

Larry Wade, another neighbor, expressed concern over the old cistern on the property. Mayor Ritter said that the Powers have plans to fill it in.

In other issues, the mayor reported that a pipe would have to be repaired at the lagoon for a cost of $2950.

Aldermen also discussed some police department issues with the traffic on School Street. Aldermen felt that Chief Bohnsack should be left to handle the matter with school officials.

In the fire department report, it was announced that Reece Beeson has been added to the volunteer fire department.

In the park report, Mayor Ritter said that park revenue is up.

The library and senior center reports were in the board packet.

The next regular meeting of the board of aldermen is the third Monday of December at 6 p.m.