Dateline: December 2, 2004

Chickens, propane tanks in city's crosshairs

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

The Clarendon Board of Aldermen may crack down on chickens and propane tanks in the city limits following the board’s regular meeting last Tuesday.

Complaints about chickens and ducks running loose at a residence on McLean Street prompted the city’s animal control officer to request that the board review ordinances governing livestock in the city limits.

Administrator Sean Pate reported that the problem had been rectified by enforcing Ordinance 25, which requires that chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other fowl be kept confined in pens. But some aldermen questioned why such animals were not included in the city’s livestock ordinance.

The matter was tabled until the December 14 meeting when aldermen will consider amending the livestock ordinance.

Pate also reported that some citizens were in violation of city ordinances regulating propane tanks in the city limits. Current municipal law prohibits propane tanks within 500 feet of a street or alleyway.

Aldermen discussed the need to allow tanks for backyard barbecue grills and travel trailers and for commercial sales; but the board worried about the danger of large residential propane tanks.

The board directed Pate to draw up an ordinance limiting tank sizes in residential areas to not more than 10 gallons and requiring that they be kept 100 feet from any residence or business. This item will also be discussed at the next meeting.

In other city business, Bob Russell of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission addressed the board concerning serving alcohol inside the city limits. He was invited to the meeting after a citizen raised concerns about the local VFW Post serving alcohol. Russell said that the post is in compliance with state laws and that private clubs can operate in dry counties under state law.

The board voted to commit $750 from the Motel Bed Tax fund to the Greenbelt Classic Tournament, which will attract 32 basketball teams and their families to Clarendon on December 28 – 30.

The contract with the Donley Appraisal District for the collection of ad valorem taxes was discussed. Mayor Tex Selvidge called three times for a motion, and there was none.

Property at 702 S. Leroy Street was discussed. Pate reported that the owner will be moving two trailers off the property and is in the process of converting two carports into living quarters. Inspections will be done to insure that building codes are met.