By JONATHAN SNYDER
Problems in the acquisition of a compliant enclosure for Brandy Singleton’s dog lead the Bluffton Board of Public Works and Safety to discuss an ordinance change on Tuesday.
Current municipal code states that an animal enclosure must be 6 feet in length, 6 feet tall and 12 feet wide. Singleton bought a structure only 4 feet tall, citing complications in finding an enclosure meeting the width requirement.
Animal Control Officer Megan Bowling stated that they were willing to compromise on the width of the structure, but the height is necessary so the dog does not jump and escape the enclosure. Singleton said to the board that all the other enclosures she found online that were tall enough did not meet the height requirement.
Board member Scott Mentzer took some time to search on Amazon for enclosures, but a limited time saw some trouble in finding one wide enough.
Singleton additionally stated that the way the fencing of the enclosure is set up, the additional two feet is impossible to add on. Mentzer noted that this issue has dragged on for months now, to the point where there is concern that the standard is being varied.
“If we need to change the ordinance because a 12 foot enclosure is not available, that’s fine,” Mentzer said. “What’s disappointing is that this case has been in front of us several times … we try to be consistent with everybody’s expectations, and now once again we’re put in a situation of having to be asked to vary from the standard.”
Since the ordinance change was discussed, the board decided to give her time until June 11 to get a new enclosure. Any ordinance changes would need to go in front of the Common Council.
Additionally, a nuisance dog issue at an apartment complex on Cottonwood Court was clarified for the Animal Shelter. Kyle Fritz’s dog needs an enclosure due to a nuisance animal call against him. The board decided that Fritz needs to be in compliance two weeks from Tuesday, provided his landlord will allow the dog to stay on the property. Hunt stated he will communicate with the property owner to see if the dog is allowed.
Parks Department Superintendent Brandy Fiechter also came to the board with three additional expenses for the Lancaster Park Project. Street Commissioner Tim Simpson, out of safety concerns, suggested a 2-foot stone shoulder next to Jackson Street instead of the proposed dirt and grass shoulder.
Fiechter also advised that the rainy spring has led to a drainage need for construction to continue. Fiechter advised that a drainage tile under the pickleball courts will help fix the issue. The proposed milling area will be turned back into a paved surface with these changes, which cost $19,120. Fiechter notified that a $15,000 contingency fund was built into the project and enough donations to the park will cover the rest of the expenses.
The board also approved a $191,772 SRF expense to VTF Construction. Utility Director Jon Oman stated that this bill will close out the Timber Ridge project’s account.
jonathan@news-banner.com
