At the regular meeting of Washington Court House City Council Wednesday, with input from City Manager Joe Denen and another over-flow assemblage of residents, council members determined the best course of action regarding the “kennel ordinance” was to “throw it out and start over.”
This decision was met with thunderous applause by those in attendance.
The “kennel ordinance” came into being in an effort by city officials to attempt to change the behavior of a few “dog owners who were not being good neighbors.” Unfortunately, the ordinance would have also negatively impacted many good neighbors who own dogs.
Prior to the vote, nine residents rose to address city council regarding the ordinance. Most of those speaking were pleased with the efforts council members were showing for residents by defeating this ordinance.
What will happen now is that the city will schedule opportunities for concerned residents to meet with the city manager and the city attorney to look for “solutions that cure the root of the issue and not just handle the symptoms.”
All concerns, ideas and offered solutions will then be given to council and a new ordinance will be written that officials hope represents the combined efforts of the residents and the city working together to meet the needs of both entities.
In other business, Denen introduced Tom Bailey, the incoming Washington City Schools Superintendent. Bailey’s first day on the job will be July 5. Denen also reminded those present that job openings are still available in Washington Court House. If you are seeking employment, there are jobs available.
Minutes of the last two council meetings were approved as written and all three council committee meeting minutes were approved.
Washington Court House City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesday of each month in council chambers located on the second floor of the City Administration Building, 105 N. Main St. All council meetings begin promptly at 7:30 p.m.
