GOSNELL -- After much compromise, Gosnell city councilmen approved two ordinances and tabled a third, all brought to the council by the city's code enforcement department.
The first ordinance, which was tabled, concerned pets in the city limits. Councilwoman Tammie Fulks first addressed the issue of tethering dogs to stakes and trees several weeks ago. The nine-page ordinance included a provision against tethering, but also included several other restrictions, such as the number of pets that could be owned in the city limits.
Councilwoman Melissa Sellers said she was not in favor of restricting the number of animals that could be owned, "as long as they are provided a clean, safe environment." Sellers went on to say that there were several people in town who owned hunting dogs that would have been breaking the law if the limit was included. "Those are expensive dogs and I know they are well taken care of," Sellers said.
Fulks agreed. "Those dogs are like kids to those hunters," she said.
Councilman Eric Blount questioned the information sought for use in the ordinance. "We were going for a non-tethering ordinance and ended up with a nine-page ordinance," he said.
"It's a good ordinance," he said, but went on to question where the information was found. "We should look at towns of a similar size, not large cities. Maybe we should go back to the table on this."
Blount also requested that the ordinance be read over the course of at least two monthly meetings so residents would have time to make comments on it. "I don't think it should include an emergency clause so people will have time to discuss it with the council."
The first ordinance to be approved was done so after much discussion and a compromise. The ordinance is aimed at eliminating unkept and unsightly properties in the city. The ordinance prohibits the keeping of inoperable vehicles, old appliances, etc., and requires grass to be cut so that it is no higher than 10 inches.
The ordinance calls for a warning by code enforcement officials and the issuance of a citation if the matter is not cleared within 10 days. The fine listed in the ordinance is $25. The ordinance originally called for a citation to be issued after seven days, but Blount said he felt that did not give citizens enough time to keep the property mowed.
"What about these people who own vacant lots in the city?" he asked. Blount wanted to give residents two weeks or 10 working days to resolve the problem, but the other councilmen did not agree. The compromise of 10 calendar days was reached and the ordinance was approved on three readings and adopted.
The next ordinance requires residents to keep ditches along city streets clear of debris that can affect drainage. The fine for this was also set at $25.
Blount asked about elderly and handicapped citizens who were not able to clean out their ditches. The council decided that if a resident needs help, they can call City Hall and someone will be found to help them.
In other business, Councilman Don Marshall asked the council and the code enforcement officers to do some research on construction or other debris that is placed on the curb for collection by the city. It is commonly known that residents who are replacing a roof need to rent a large disposal container to transport debris. Marshall said he would like to see a city ordinance which spelled out the requirements. The matter will be discussed next month.
Tim Nelson of Vector, Inc., which provides mosquito protection for the city, told councilmen that efforts will be heightened to combat mosquitoes in the city. Recent wet and cool weather will cause more mosquitoes to hatch. "I'll have to call the plane in to make another application," he said.
The council also heard from Karen Yoder of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, who explained that state money is available to clean up sites like a former gas station in town.
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com