Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Gurdon City Council amends ordinance to specify pit bulls

The Gurdon City Council on Aug. 25 amended its pit bull ordinance last

week after hearing from a number of residents about the citys methods of

dealing with the animals.

Mayor Clayton Franklin said the ordinance the city already has in place does

not specifically name pit bulls. It has to do with animals in general, he said.

The ordinance declares that if the citys animal control officer deems an

animal vicious, even if it is on a leash, he has the authority to pick up the

dog, fine the owner, and euthanize the animal if necessary.

The city has two tactics, Franklin said, do nothing or deal with it.

Some residents attending the meeting voiced their opinions on the

dangerousness of dogs and what the city should do about them. They were of

the opinion that regardless of an animals size or breed, it can still be vicious.

If thats the ordinance, stand by it, said councilman David Buck.

Councilman Gene Flowers asked who would be held responsible of someone

was bitten by a pit bull. Frankling replied that it was the owners

responsibility. If a pit bull gets a chance to bite someone, he will, Flowers

said.

Thats what they are trained to do, Buck said.

Resident Ron Williams asked council members if they knew of any insurance

companies that write policies covering pit bull-related injuries. I feel they

should be banned, because they are very dangerous animals, Williams said.

Buck replied there are insurance companies that carry such liability policies,

but they are expensive.

Resident Lula Roberts said, I agree, they should be banned, a man was killed

in my front yard by a pit bull.

Franklin said, Arkadelphias ordinance has almost banned pit bulls in a nice

way.

The council then amended Gurdons existing animal ordinance to the effect

that pit bulls must be registered with the city, their owners must carry liability

insurance on them, and the dogs must be vaccinated.

In other business, Franklin reported on the annual water and sewer audit,

which has been completed. He said everything is order in reference to the

audit and that citizens can view the records at any time. In talking about the

citys budget, he said, there were a few mishaps, but the surplus looks okay.

The council also adopted the Clark County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

According to federal law, every county in every state must have a mitigation

plan, and all communities and public entities must adopt the plan in order to

be eligible for assistance should a disaster strike. Without adopting the plan,

the city of Gurdon would not be able to apply for federal relief funds,

regardless of damages.

Also, councilors adopted the cross connection control standard program,

which protects city water and plumbing from contamination in case of a

backup due to low water pressure.

The Gurdon Housing Authority asked the councils approval of Robert Ross

to fill a vacancy on its board left by the passing of Annie Hubbard.

Franklin asked resident Sharon Lasker to speak. She asked the council if there

is anything the city can do to help combat the loud music problem.

Franklin said he thought he problem had been dealt with by talking with

some individuals about playing their music loudly and by the citys

purchase of signs warning against loud music. He said hed heard from

residents that the signs have helped.

Stacey Blackard asked Lasker if the music is stationary if it is being played

by someone passing by. Lasker and others in attendance replied, Both.

Lasker said the loud music is being played at 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. making it hard

to sleep.

Resident Connie Williams agreed with Lasker that loud music is a problem.

Franklin replied the city can do something. First step, inform the public of

actions. Second step, crack down with law enforcement.

Damita Marks spoke on behalf of Clark County Citizens United. Marks said

his group is looking for ways to help youth and adults. We just wanted to

introduce the city to our organization, so youll be aware fo what we are

trying to achieve, and the programs we are implementing.

Marks said the CCCU is already cleaning city streets as part of one of its

projects. Franklin praised the group, saying the city would help in any way it

can.