Animal control personnel appointed by city council
Peabody City Council approved the appointment of Spur Ridge Veterinary Clinic in Florence to serve as Peabody's animal shelter. City administrator Jeff Benbrook told council members, "Veterinarian Brendan Kraus was very accommodating and willing to serve the community."
With councilman Tim Peterson absent, the remaining members voted 4-0 to enter into an agreement with the Florence clinic.
Marvin Lirley was hired as local animal control officer. Animals picked up in Peabody will be transported by Lirley to the Florence facility. A charge of $12 will be assessed to reclaim a pet.
In a related matter, councilman Ed Slocombe presented a complaint from an unnamed citizen regarding a required court appearance for an unpaid dog tag fee. According to Slocombe, the dog in question died and the owner is unhappy that he must appear in court.
Discussion among council members, the city administrator, and police officers in attendance indicated the owner was the recipient of more than one recent notice by the city asking him to purchase a city tag for his dog.
"The city treasurer has no way of knowing the dog is dead if the owner doesn't contact her," said Benbrook. "It certainly IS the owner's responsibility to notify this office if he no longer has the dog. Waiting until such time as the situation requires a court appearance doesn't help anyone."
A report on progress of the sewer project was made by Randy Dallke who is acting as a liaison between the city and the project contractors and engineer.
Dallke said boring for the sewer line is being done under Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail bed. He noted when the boring is done, the rest of the project should proceed smoothly. He said the contractors are "pretty much on schedule."
Barbara Clark was present to ask the council about the sewer project encroaching on her property. She requested that topsoil removed by the contractor be replaced and grass replanted.
Council assured her the agreement with the contractor calls for such steps to be taken. "It is not the city's intention to do a disservice to anyone's property," said Mayor Tom Schmidt. "It will be put back the way it was or better."
Council agreed it will review work done to the property before final payment is made.
In other business the council:
— heard the state of Kansas plans to charge more for water the city takes from Marion Reservoir.
— closed abatement proceedings against Joe Plume upon the successful cleanup of his home on Vine Street.
— gave David Beckner a 30-day extension on removal of an inoperable vehicle. Beckner is trying to sell the vehicle. Approval was on a 3-1 vote with councilman Yock opposed.
— heard a progress report from Raphael Menjivar about the trailer he has moved onto his lot on Poplar Street. Menjivar was given until Sept. 12 to move an older trailer on the lot, skirt the new one, and finish the foundation.
— heard a review of new state statutes regarding the sale of liquor in Kansas. Council members will discuss local options at a future meeting.
— approved ordinance 13-2005 to accept Standard Traffic Ordinance, ordinance 14-2005 to accept Uniform Public Offense Code, and ordinance 12-2005 to accept Atmos Energy Franchise agreement.
— approved a paving project just inside the gate at city park to be done before the high school football season.
— heard a report from Benbrook on street repair and paving by Inland Paving.
