Dateline: November 3, 2005

Aldermen may consider chaining dogs 'cruelty'

By Roger  Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Clarendon Aldermen did not act to ban the chaining of dogs during their regular meeting October 25, but the issue is still on the table and may fall under the guidelines of state laws prohibiting animal cruelty.

Animal Control Officer Tony Ballard first expressed his concern about dogs being chained up without food or water in a letter presented at the city’s October 11 meeting. Ballard had submitted sample ordinances that would ban or limit keeping dogs on chains.

At last week’s meeting, Bobby Wood addressed the board and said he was concerned that a ban would be unfair to people who do not have a fence and cannot afford one but do take good care of their dogs.

Alderman Janice Knorpp said owning a pet is a commitment and said dogs should have a fence, food, water, and attention.

Alderman Michael Tibbets said the city needs to look at state statutes on animal cruelty and recommended the board appoint three aldermen to serve on a committee to oversee that these laws are being enforced.

This item is scheduled to be on the board’s agenda when they meet again next Tuesday.

In other city business, aldermen considered and approved a computer maintenance program contract for the Burton Memorial Library. Will Jordan of Cyber Medic will be on call and will respond when needed for $90 per month. Parts and hardware would be additional charges.

Rose Lemley and Rhonda Howell addressed the board concerning brown water coming from their lines in the southeast part of the city. They said they have had water like this since July and can’t wash their clothes without them turning dingy. They said they were afraid to drink the water.

Alderman Bobbie Kidd, who is also the general manager of Greenbelt Municipal Water Authority, said the water is safe to drink. Kidd also said the lines need to be flushed for four to five hours.

Mayor Tex Selvidge said the lines in that area do need to be replaced and said City Superintendent Jim Roberts is looking into replacement costs.

Aldermen considered nominating candidates for the Donley County Appraisal District Board and agreed that the board needed new people on it to have better control over the appraisal district. The city only has 389 votes to cast, and Alderman Tibbets moved to cast them as follows: 77 votes for Bobbie Campbell, 77 votes for Brad Dalton, 77 votes for Claude DeBord, 77 votes for Jerry Gage, and 81 votes for Bobbie Kidd. The motion carried. Alderman Kidd abstained.

The board considered the city’s contract with the appraisal district and voted 4-1 to approve the contract. Alderman Tibbets was opposed.

The board approved keeping the city secretary as the city’s fund investment officer.