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By Anthony Richards | anthony.richards@northchiltonadvertiser.com

 

Richard Wood Park in Thorsby is a perfect place to walk especially with the company of one’s dog.

Richelle Smith had a routine of walking her Yorkie at the park, however it was recently interrupted after one day she noticed a sign that stated no dogs were allowed in the park.

After attempting to but unable to find another place to feel comfortable walking, Smith brought up the issue during Monday’s Thorsby Town Council meeting.

“Let’s not let one person ruin it for everyone,” Smith said.

According to Smith, if a person’s dog is on a leash and the owner is picking up after the dog, then she does not see the problem.

“I understand that there needs to be rules, but it’s not fair to punish everyone,” Smith said.

Councilmen Glenn Littleton, Neil Benson and Marvin Crumpton each acknowledged that they did not know that dogs were not allowed on the park premises.

According to Mayor Jean Nelson, the sign was put up due to complaints from neighbors.

After listening to Smith, Nelson agreed that the “no dogs” sign should be taken down.

Councilman Randall Higgins motioned for the sign to be removed, while Crumpton seconded the motion.

Other discussion from the meeting included Director of Public Works Terry Jackson talking about the Duckweed problem that has continued to plague the ponds in Thorsby.

Jackson presented a solution to the Council that included using a tool called a “Floating Weir Skimmer” that floats on top of the water and can be connected to a pump to suck out the thick layer of Duckweed that is covering much of the ponds.

According to Jackson, the skimmer could hook up to the trash pump that the city already has, and the project will cost $5,478 to complete.

At a certain point, Duckweed releases a skunk-like odor.

“We’ve got to do something about it because it’s fixing to go septic,” Jackson said. “Everybody in Thorsby is going to smell it.”

After careful consideration, the Council agreed to spend the money on the project following a motion from Littleton and a second by Benson.

Representation from the police and fire departments were not in attendance during the meeting.

Nelson received an estimate of $4,500 to $8,500 for Thorsby’s annual Independence Day fireworks show scheduled for June 29.

A possible location change was also discussed for this year’s show, as Thorsby School requires an insurance license to shoot off fireworks on school property.

The discussion was tabled until a future Council meeting.