While only lasting half an hour, the Glasgow City Councilmembers made efficient work of their agenda, at yesterday’s meeting, with only one item drawing discussion, that of a resolution between city and county governments to approve an agreement for countywide animal control and the establishment of a Glasgow-Barren County Animal Control Board.
Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse gave a brief summation of what the agreement expects from both city and county bodies.
While no argument was had by councilmembers in regard to the terms of the agreement, some members felt that the wording of the animal control agreement were too cagey and would benefit from a change in wordage to better ensure the city’s safety in the event of legal action and liability. Councilmembers Patrick Gaunce and Chasity Lowery, probed the concerns for specific issues within the agreement, causing unease in their fellow members.
Councilman Terry Bunnell sited a couple of examples, he felt, that could create issue for the council should the legalese not be thorough.
Bunnell also pointed to the ambiguous wording of budget responsibilities within the agreement as a point of contention.
City attorney Rich Alexander tried to assuage some of Bunnell’s worry with the agreement, by explaining that his office would act in whatever capacity the council deemed appropriate, at which time Royse brought to the councils attention that the proper rule of order, would see a motion to “table” the matter until next meeting, giving all members time to navigate the nuance of the agreement and potentially alter sections that they feel do not place proper boundaries on what is and isn’t the city’s responsibility.
Ultimately, the council voted to postpone the item until next meeting to better explore the agreement.
It is important to note that any changes made to the agreement will in turn send the agreement back to the fiscal court for approval or rejection.
Other items voted on were the appointments of Rhonda Trautman, Becky Barrick, Mike Darnell, and Beth Wagner to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Before adjourning, the council had one announcement about “Clean Up Week” which will run through March 29th, giving residents the opportunity to put out extra “trash, bagged items, and large items” curbside to be picked up on the same day as normal garbage/recycling pick-up.
The next council meeting will be scheduled for April 8th.