Resident expresses concern about dog issues

Published 4:22 pm Thursday, February 11, 2016

A resident who lives off County Road 85 addressed members of the Chilton County Commission on Monday regarding dog issues.

Braxton Baker spoke to commissioners during the public comments section of the meeting, telling commissioners he has had a problem with dogs on his property.

“I am an older gentleman who likes to garden,” Baker said. “Recently, I had a situation where some neighbor’s dogs got into some freshly ground dirt. I called the neighbor, showed them the destruction and told them I just wanted them to put the dogs up. Several days went by, and the dogs got out again.”

Baker said he understood there was not a leash law in the county, and wanted the commission’s understanding and wisdom on how to deal with the situation.

“I would hate to see something like this where a child ends up being mauled by a dog,” Baker said. “The area where I live, there are dogs that run loose all of the time. When I pulled out of the driveway of my house, I had two strange dogs barking at my truck. This is a big problem.”

Commission Chairman Allen Caton said due to Baker speaking during the public comments section of the meeting, commissioners could only listen to the issue.

Baker said he plans to be on the agenda for the Feb. 22 commission meeting.

In other news, the commission:

•Heard from Monique Hahn and Dan Ellis regarding Total Administrative Services Corporation ACA employer reporting. Ellis told commissioners he is a regional sales director with TASC and with changes being made with the Affordable Care Act, his company offers assistance with “back office” type functions.

•Heard from Chilton County EMA director Derrick Wright who told commissioners the weather notification system was operational. Wright said the only way the system could be fully tested would be during a full-weather event. Wright said currently there have not been many people to sign up for the system, but he is hoping to spread the word and promote it. Wright had several line-item transfers the commission approved, and he requested commissioners reject bids for a new EMA truck. Wright said after reviewing the bids submitted, he would like to purchase the new truck off the state bid list.

•Set a meeting for March 10 at 5 p.m. at Clanton City Hall for commissioners to meet with members of Clanton City Council pertaining to the newly purchased industrial park.

•Heard from Caton that plans for a ring ceremony with members of Maplesville High School’s football team has been planned for some time in April. Commissioners approved during the Jan. 12 meeting having county attorney John Hollis Jackson write a resolution congratulating Maplesville High School’s football team for winning the state championship. Commissioner Bobby Agee said during the Jan. 12 meeting that he thought the commission should do something to recognize the team’s accomplishment. Agee also suggested having Caton contact the coach and work out a schedule so the commission could present the resolution to the team.

Caton said a specific date for the event had not been planned, but the commission would be welcome to the event to present the resolution to the team. Agee said he would like for all commissioners to attend the event.

•Approved a resolution to open nominations to the Board of Directors of the Chilton Water Authority.

•Approved a resolution accepting the nomination of Jeff Williams to the Board of Directors of the Chilton Water Authority. Commissioner Greg Moore nominated Eddie Martin to the board as well. Commissioners will continue accepting nominations for the board at the Feb. 22 meeting and will vote on the nominations at the March 14 meeting.

•Approved the 2016 tax levy.

•Reviewed the recent grand jury report submitted to the commissioners. The grand jury meets in Chilton County twice each year, once in January or February and once in August.