City demands accountability from dog owners

LIND — Council members adopted an amendment to the ordinance regarding household pets at the June 9 meeting.

The amendment states a written record will be kept that includes a general description of dogs seized, and the animal shall be held for 48 hours from the time of impounding, exclusive of holidays and Sundays.

Reasonable effort shall be made to contact the owner. The fee will be $60 for the first occurrence and $100 for a second or subsequent occurrence. An additional charge of $10 per day will be added until the animal is claimed, or it is surrendered to an Adams county animal shelter as an abandoned animal. The fees apply to any animal running at large, whether the owner lives within or outside of the town limits. The amendment takes effect June 17. A complaint was also filed at the meeting regarding two dogs that are allegedly “consistently at-large and acting aggressively.”

An agreement drawn up between the city and Blattner Energy will allow the builders of the Rattlesnake Flat wind farm to use the town’s Well 9 and Well 6. Dave Christian will be monitoring the meter daily for billing. When Councilperson Kathy Vedder asked if it will affect the water levels or other wells, Mayor Paula Bell said there will be no issues.

In a public hearing May 26, Steve Nelson of Century West Engineering said he is submitting a Community Development Block Grant application to cover the cost of a planning study that will include investigating the levels of Well 7 and 8, as well as aquifer levels. The town will be notified in September if the $30,000 grant is approved. If the study is completed, the town will decide whether to invest in brand new wells or refurbish the existing wells.

Patrick Sheehy of Century West Engineering reported a Community Development Block Grant waterline project will go out to bid this week, with bids scheduled to be opened July 2.

Sheehy said the start date for the cemetery water line project was pushed back a week due to delays in getting supplies delivered. Sheehy also reported three quotes would need to be obtained for a grant application for the Town Hall roof.

Mayor Paula Bell reported Central Washington Asphalt fixed both the hole at the corner of I Street and 3rd Street and the asphalt along I Street in front of Will’s Merchandise. The repairs were done at no cost to the city due to the work being under a two-year warranty.

In other business, council members heard

— A burn ban is in place from June 15 to September 15. Firepits are allowed, unless a statewide burn ban goes into effect.

— Josamy Blake is no longer an employee of the town.

— Casey Wills is working part time to help with projects outside the office.