Indianola is looking to take a bite out of crime.
At Monday night’s board of aldermen meeting, the city’s lawmakers voted unanimously to change the city’s ordinance concerning vicious dogs to match the state statute, which, according to city attorney Gary Austin, is a fine of up to $1,000 maximum and up to 90 days jail time with each occurance being a separate offense.
Currently the city’s maximum fine is set at $500 and no jail time is included.
Alderman Marvin Elder wanted to know what guidelines will be used to determine whether a dog was vicious.
“All dogs have teeth in their mouth,” said Elder.
The move was made in response to a rising number of incidents involving dogs attacking citizens.
“Well the ones that attacked two of our citizens last week were definitely vicious,” Austin said. He alluded that dogs that run loose and cause injury could also fall into that category.
Alderman Gary Fratesi stated that the judge will have the final say on that and what will be the actual penalty.
The decision was partially driven by an incident that happened last week where a city worker and a private citizen were involved in an “almost deadly” attack by two pit bulls, and according to Mayor Steve Rosenthal, the encounter resulted in both being hospitalized.
Citizen Paul Mancini told The E-T that he was attacked by two pit bulls while visiting a business on the north side of U.S. 82. He said the police were called in and they called the animal shelter and when Director Elizabeth Elmore came out the dogs attacked her as well.
A police report confirmed that Mancini did call officers to the Indianola Family Medical Clinic shortly after 3 p.m. on July 3 because of an alleged dog attack. The dogs’ owner is reportedly a Torino Drive man.
Rosenthal said on Monday night that Elmore was still recovering.
In other business,
The city lawmakers heard a budget request from the Sunflower County Library System that included a $1,559.60 increase to their maintenance of effort line item in addition to their other items. Rosenthal told Director Mary Ann Griffin their request would be taken under consideration when the budgeting process begins.
They voted unanimously to accept the low quote from T.F. Construction to remove any existing material and add a 32-foot by 116-foot by 5-foot concrete parking area, sidewalks and an 8-inch curb to Gilmer Park.
The accepted estimate was $23,800. Two other quotes were gathered, one from Crawford Construction for $24,670.46 and another for $25,833.60, from an unnamed source. The engineer’s estimate was $28,196.
Rosenthal said the project was a budgeted item and because of the dollar amount, below $50,000, only two quotes were required.
The board also heard and approved departmental reports from the fire and parks and recreation departments.
The Indianola board voted to reappoint all of the city's department heads, which includes Jimmy Strong, Carolyn O'Neal, Charles McClatchy, Elizabeth Elmore, Elvis Pernell, Orlando Battle, Edrick Hall, Gary Austin, Theresa Nolan and Kuykendall Horne-Murry, to continue on probation until August 31.
Alderman Sam Brock inquired about the lack of assessments done on the department leaders and Rosenthal explained that to be the reason why it was being extended to the end of August, in order to get the standard evaluation forms completed. As mayor, Rosenthal said he does the assessments and it would be up to the aldermen to make their decisions after that is done.
The policy-makers also voted to adjudicate several properties for grass cutting and removal of debris plus two properties, one at 514 Cox Street and another at 237 Roosevelt Street, for demolition.
They also voted to approve adding Rosenthal, Woods and secretary, Shumekia Harvey as signers on city checks, since the city does not currently have a city clerk.
