Dogs discussed in September Council meeting

In other business discussed in the September City Council meeting dealt with Pit Bulls and Boxer dogs.

A Portageville resident appeared in from of the council with pictures of what a Pit Bull had done to her grand child and that the same dog bit her daughter. They had contacted the Humane Officers several times about the issue to no avail. The police had also been contacted.

“We do have an ordinance already on the books, we just need to enforce it a lot harder,” said Alderman Vince Berry.

According to Ordinance 1227, under Section 2-Definitions reads:

“DANGEROUS DOG: 1. Any dog which, according to the records of the appropriate authority, has inflicted severe injury on a human being without provocation on public or private property, or; 2. Any dog which, according to the records of the appropriate authority, has killed a domestic animal without provocation while off the owners property, or; 3. Any dog owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting or any dog trained for dog fighting, or; 4. Any dog, not owned by a government or law enforcement unit, used primarily to guard public or private property, or; 5. Any dog with a known propensity tendency or disposition to attach unprovoked, to cause injury, or to otherwise threaten the safety of human beings or domestic animals, or; 6. Any dog which, when provoked, chases or approaches a person upon any public or private property in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack.”

This 12 page document can be seen at City Hall in the city Code Book.

In other business, C.E.R.T. Coordinator Renee Brands wanted to squash a rumor that had been going on with the CERT Team. “We are not merging in with the Fire Department. What ever was said is not true, and who ever said it, did not know what they are talking about.”

In their August meeting, the City Council opened bids for the Street Resurfacing Project. Causey Companies LLC was selected. The bid was for $137,425.00 plus $10,900 for the possible addition of Stafford Drive from McCrate Ave. to Florida Ave. for a total of $148,325.00

Mayor McCrate informed the Board of Alderman that he had been contacted by the Chamber of Commerce about replacing the “Welcome to Portageville” signs located along I-55. The project would cost approximately $8400.00. The Chamber of Commerce would like the City to either pay the bill or split the cost with them. Alderman Berry made a motion that the City of Portageville will pay $4200.00 towards the purchase of the new signs. Alderman Staffey seconded. All members voted in favor.

Mayor McCrate received a request from the Portageville Housing Authority stating that the current members terms have expired, and they would like for the Board of Alderman to reappoint the members for another three-year term. The current members are as follows: Dara Alexander, Resident Advisory Board Member George DeLisle, Board Member Robert Gremore, Board chairperson Gerard Long, Board Member Denis McCrate, Mayor Jennifer Preyer, Board Member Alderman Berry made a motion to reappoint the current board members to a three-year term. Alderman James seconded. All members voted in favor.

The City Council plans to hold a mid-month meeting on Thursday, September 20, today. The next monthly meeting will be held Monday, October 1.