An Atwood citizen raised complaints about her neighbor’s animals during the Nov. 12 meeting of the Atwood Mayor and Board of Aldermen, though the board did not take any action on the matter.
Vickie Sellers, who was on the agenda to speak, told the board that her neighbor’s dogs, cats, rosters, and guineas are coming onto her property on Raymond Street and defecating in her yard.
She also said that the cats will get on her car and urinate on the vehicle.
“You can’t cook out or sit outside because of the smell,” she said. “You shouldn’t have to live like that.”
Mayor James Halford pointed out that the city doesn’t have anything in its ordinances about cats, and the city does not have an animal control officer.
Outgoing Alderman Jimmy Halford said that the county does have animal control officer, but he won’t just come out and get animals unless someone catches and restrains them first.
“Legally, I don’t know what you can honestly do,” said Alderman Halford, who added that other residents have reported problems with cats.
Alderman L.N. McNabb suggested that the city might send her neighbor a warning letter about the animals, though it was pointed out that the city wouldn’t really be able to enforce anything.
Alderman Halford recommended that Sellers call the county mayor and see if he could get something done, or she could bring a citizen’s complaint before the Carroll County Legislative Body.
Attending the meeting with Sellers was her husband, Mike Sellers.
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In other business:
•The board took no action on an agenda item about authorizing a third person to sign city checks if the mayor or City Recorder Amanda Browning are not available. The mayor pointed out that the city charter requires that the mayor sign checks and that adding a third person would require amending the charter.
•The board passed a resolution stipulating that only items on the agenda can be voted on by the board during meetings.
•Two days off for city employees during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays were approved.
•The board approved financial reports for October.
