Town council hears animal concerns

At Tuesday evening’s Thermopolis Town Council meeting, Byron Williams brought forth concerns regarding animals in the Grandview trailer park; Williams recently became an assistant manager for the park, and is concerned the police don’t want to enforce ordinances there.

Police Chief Steve Shay added Williams is speaking specifically to those ordinances regarding animals at large. He pointed out they do enforce the ordinances regarding vicious animals, but not those regarding dogs at large. He explained the ordinance states a dog has to leave a property to be considered “at large,” and trailer parks are considered as singular pieces of property with one owner and people lease or sublet space within the park to live. 

Shay further added, in looking at incidents, most of the time officers speak to the dog owners when the animals are found at large. He also pointed out citations have been given for those with vicious animals.

Williams said people that let their dogs run loose need to be ticketed, as he considers that to be a dog at large. He added the park rules and regulations state residents must abide by town ordinances. Shay suggested rules be written for the trailer park to address the situation, though Williams noted things have been going on this way for so long that people think they can get away with anything. Williams further added there are people in the park that have pets such as chickens, ducks and rabbits.

Forrest Coleman-Weisz suggested adding an addendum to the lease agreements in the park to create some enforcement. Williams said often people, when faced with a fine, simply pay it then turn their animals loose. Coleman-Weisz suggested putting the fine in the addendum on an increasing gradient for offenses.

In action, council approved a malt beverage permit for Oktobrewfest on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., as well as lifting the open container ban from Fifth to Fourth streets for the same hours.

A pay estimate of $108,239.52 for the pipeline project was approved. Town Engineer Anthony Barnett said most of the pipe is in, and paving on Seventh Street would start Wednesday, Oct. 3. 

Barnett said he’s received complaints about the project on Valley View. When they got in front of the pump station, they came across a valve that needed replacing. However, the replacement has been difficult to come by, and Barnett is hopeful necessary parts will come in a week or two.

A second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 4 of the town code was approved. The ordinance updates fines and fees for animals at large or impounded, and provides definitions for “bit or bitten” and “dangerous animal” and adding language for domesticated animals which are bitten.

Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle reported the undercarriage on a loader at the landfill was fixed, though after one week the engine on the vehicle blew so he is in the process of obtaining bids for a new engine.

Coleman-Weisz provided an update regarding Google Maps. In the past couple months, he has been working to get various maps systems to eliminate 14th Street/Canyon Hills as a route, as it detours people away from the downtown. At their Sept. 18 meeting, council approved an ordinance designating the street as not a through street. However, Coleman-Weisz said, Google wants pictures of signage along the route noting the change.

Town Attorney Mike Messenger noted the expiration date for the joint law enforcement center is approaching, and suggested there be a meeting to address any concerns the mayor and council have.

John Dorman Sr. said there has been some talk about researching places that might work for a community center, as well as possibly restoring some parking spaces in the 400 block of Broadway.