Minutes 02/27/1968 - Laserfiche WebLink

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127 February, 27, 1968 One thing must suffer and it is usually our food, because one must pay rent and utilities first. And our families are suffering from a lack of nutrition ~hich can effect their energy in school, work, and play. The poor cannot really afford to pa>' for the basic living needs. Ail we ask of you is when can we find out what the city of Portsmouth is going to do about our plea for food stamps?" Motion of Mr. Johnson to refer to the Budget study for the year 1968-69 was adopted without dissenting vote. 68-64 - The following petition from residents of Highland Park was presented: "The undersigned residents of Highland'Park, Portsmouth, Virginia, do hereby petition the City Council to authorize the following public work: Install curbs, gutters and paving on that nortion of Bluegill Avenue, between Hanbury Avenue and Greenwood Drive. In its present condition Bluegill Avenue has depressions which retain water at its intersection with Barclay Avenue and Greenwood Drive. One section of Bluegill Avenue is caving in tho drainage ditch, and the street is in general need of repairs. We understand that City Council has appropriated sufficient funds to install curbs and gutters the full length of Hanbury Avenue, but because of objections by some residents on Hanbury Avenue, only the first b~ock is being completed. Since the entire appropriation for Hanbhry Avenue is not being utilized, we suggest that a portion of the funds be authorized to perform the work requested on Bluegill Avenue." (Signed)- George H. Williams and others On motion of Mr. Barnes, referred to the City ~lanager to report back to the Council. 68-65 - The following letter from Jean Coughlln was read: "We request permission to speak during the Council meeting Tuesday night February 27. Our topic of presentation will be "More Stringent Leash Laws in Regard to Dogs." On motion of Mr. Barnes, the rules were suspended to hear Mrs. Coughlin, who presented the following: "I am Mrs. John Coughlin and live at 4029 Timberland Drive, Portsmouth. immediate action on a very serious and dangerous situation in our community. outdated legislation governing dogs. There are three reasons why action must be takem: 1. For the health of the community 2. For the safety of the community 3. For the beautification of our community I am here to request It pertains to our ~resent FOR THE HEALTH OF THE CO~4UNtTY There is a continuing increase in dog population. Since January 1, 1968, there has been over 3760 dogs licensed in the Portsmouth area. The common house pet is a carrier of various types of flees, ticks~ worms, parasites. FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR CO~qUNITY Even dogs who are noted for being harmless will on occasion bite. There are increasing numbers of dogs running in uncontrollable packs. May I mention that this state encountered a disaster several months ago when two young boys were attacked and killed. Other states are reporting livestock being attacked by these packs. May I inject at this point the old adage* AN Ob]qCE OF PREVF~MTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE Dog bites are on the increase. The same dog-can be guilty on repeated episodes of biting and no legal action is taken. After a period of qfiarantine it is released to bite again. Will time ever erase the scars left by the animal??????? The answer gentlemen is NO. Lastly: FOR THE BEAUTIFICATION OF OUR C0b~dUNITY Our country is in an era of urban redevelopment and city beautification. Millions of tax dollars are being spend. The common homeowner who takes great oride in his garden is of the greatest importance in this cycle. He is becoming very discouraged, Our pets are not at all sanitary. Their toilet habits are quite primitive. They are destroying millions of dollars of landscaping. %fnere will all this end? The sanitation department finds that garbage cans are uncovered and tipped over. The animals are spreading the week's garbage around the streets and gardens of Portsmouth. This is not a beautiful sight. ~ere are our responsible pet owners? }%%o is p~otecting the rights of other citizens?? Along with the privilege of owner an anima} must go a certain responsibility. We must at this noint FORCE upon our citizens their legal obligations. It is ,quite obvious that people are con- tinuously breaking the law. An average month shows that our three dog wardens are pickup up over 400 dogs. This number seems quite excessive. ~t this time I wish to review the present ordinance governing dogs.