Starkville aldermen are likely to codify a temporary ban against pets in city-maintained cemeteries after few public comments on the matter emerged Tuesday.
Only two residents spoke about the looming animal ordinance revision during the first of two discussions expected before the board revises city code to state “No domesticated animal shall be allowed” in three public cemeteries.
Earlier this month, aldermen instituted a moratorium that temporarily banned pets from the grounds after a growing number of complaints indicated residents are allowing their dogs to defecate in those areas without disposing of their animals’ waste.
One resident said she wishes the city would take the opportunity to educate pet owners about proper etiquette by placing waste receptacles and signage in the three public spaces, while another said the city should do what is necessary to respect the dead.
Whether aldermen implement the ban, the city will soon install about 10 new waste bins along the Cotton District, Main Street and Miss. Highway 182, Community Development Director Buddy Sanders confirmed. Although he did not have an exact cost figure at Tuesday’s meeting, Sanders said the bins average about $400 each.
The city is also expected to post signage encouraging trash and waste disposal.
“Extra trash cans are critical,” said Ward 4 Alderman Jason Walker, who was the lone opposition to moratorium approved Nov. 4.
Walker, who lives in the heart of the Cotton District, has repeatedly advocated for the city to take an educational outreach approach to pet owners instead of implementing an outright pet ban.
The board took Tuesday’s public comments under consideration and, besides Walker’s, issued no further comment on the matter.
Starkville’s current animal control ordinance already bans residents from allowing their pets to defecate on any property other than of the owner and makes it the owner’s responsibility to clean up after the animal if they do so. People with disabilities who rely on service dogs are exempt from the provision.
Starkville Police Department “and any other lawfully designated official or representative of the city” are already tasked with enforcing the current rules, which includes the ability to issue municipal court summonses and citations.
The proposed ordinance change would only add the straightforward, one-line ban.
The board enacted the moratorium after receiving a letter from Starkville Cemetery Association President Charlotte Coker asking them to only allow service animals required for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. Her letter also suggested that the city install signage proclaiming the overall ban.
Aldermen are expected to hold a second public hearing in two weeks. The board previously adopted a policy in which it holds two hearings before amending its ordinances.
Lafayette Street bids tabled
The city delayed accepting bids for Lafayette Street sidewalk improvements until its Dec. 2 meeting since many aldermen and Mayor Parker Wiseman were absent Tuesday.
Vice Mayor Roy A. Perkins presided over the meeting in Wiseman’s absence, while Ward 2 Alderman Lisa Wynn listed in via teleconference. Ward 1 Alderman Ben Carver and Ward 5 Alderman Scott Maynard also missed Tuesday’s gathering.
The board previously began a bidding process for sidewalk and alley improvements not to exceed $10,000; however, documents show the lowest bid submitted came in at $15,900.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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