Friday, April 16, 2004
Some of the issues will be researched by the law director.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Council members are expected to address several issues at upcoming meetings, based on research and conversations conducted by its safety committee.
The committee met Thursday to discuss a number of items, including barking and loose dogs and snow-ban parking.
Based on complaints throughout the city, council may take another look at an ordinance originally introduced last year. At that time, council sought to limit the number of cats and dogs residents could own but retracted the legislation after hundreds of complaints.
Councilman Frank Fuda said they may be able to use that ordinance as a blueprint.
"I don't think we can limit the number of dogs, but if they are a nuisance, then we need to look at giving them a substantial fine," he said.
Fuda mentioned a home in his neighborhood that has 21 dogs, many of which live outside year-round.
Tony Vigorito, building and zoning inspector, said in such extreme cases, the city may want to address banning kennels in residential areas. In Trumbull County, residents with five or more dogs are normally issued kennel licenses. Banning kennels in the neighborhoods could, in essence, limit the number of dogs.
Another option offered by Mayor Ralph A. Infante was hiring a dog catcher, at least part-time. He noted the initial start-up costs could be a bit much, but as the number of complaints rise, it could prove beneficial.
Law Director Terry Dull was asked by the committee to research both issues with Vigorito and make a recommendation to the committee.
Parking ban
Also, the committee agreed on wording for a parking ban during the winter months.
During heavy snows, or other extreme inclement weather, the city will issue a parking ban to allow street crews clear access to all roads. In the snowy season, the ban will take effect when 2 or more inches of snow fall in a 24-hour period.
Once the ban is implemented, local news media will be notified, Dull said, and it will go into effect one hour after the first announcement is made. Vehicles left on streets after that are subject to tickets and towing, the ordinance will read.
Council is also expected to introduce an ordinance at next week's regular meeting to limit parking of recreational vehicles and campers at homes between May and Oct. 1. Currently, Vigorito said, the vehicles can be parked at homes year-round, provided they are on an area improved with gravel, concrete or cement.
slshaulis@vindy.com