Washington’s City Council had a full agenda that saw one proposed ordinance rejected, three new ordinances passed, and four proposed ordinances introduced. The Council approved a resolution and introduced an ordinance appropriating grant money received from Indiana’s Community Crossing grant and transferring it to meet the City’s match for the funding.
After several weeks of discussion and looking at state regulations, the Council introduced an ordinance that would tighten laws regarding loose dogs and require animals to be restrained. As presented, the proposed ordinance would set the maximum leash length for dogs at 6 feet, and all animals would need to be confined either by an actual fence or an electronic fence. The proposal would also make owners responsible for their animals regardless of whether or not they knew their animal was running loose. Also proposed are stiffer penalties for allowing animals to roam free. The new proposed penalties would be $100 for the first occurrence, rising to $350 for the second and subsequent violations. The ordinance was prompted by loose dogs attacking a blind Washington resident and her guide dog while they were on walks. The City will also begin an effort to educate residents about the new ordinance and help people with lead dogs navigate the community as normally as possible.
At the end of the meeting, Mayor Rhoads reminded everyone about next week’s July 4th Celebration.
The Mayor thanked Ft. Knox Investments and WAMW, who are sponsoring the Saturday night rides along with the City of Washington. Again, nightly entertainment, rides, and food trucks will be at Washington’s Eastside Park Saturday through Tuesday, with fireworks around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday night.
Following the Council meeting, the Board of Public Works and Safety met with only two items on the agenda. The Board voted to award Rex Gress and Sons the contract to demolish the old building at the State Street/National Highway fork. The bid was $16,500 for asbestos removal and $8,800 for demolition of the building. The cost will come from the Unsafe Building Fund.
The only other item was the approval of a shuffle of positions in the Fire Department. The changes are necessary due to the coming retirement of Battalion Chief Bobby Norton.
