Dog problems in Orangeville bring discussion

By Alice Wadley
Staff Writer

The Orangeville City council met for their monthly meeting on Sept. 5. The first item of discussion addressed the park hours. There have been numerous problems with people loitering in the park and causing problems. The proposed park hours are 6 a.m. to a half hour after sunset. Residents who have reserved the park through the city will be allowed to stay after the designated hours if necessary. The bathroom hours will be the same as the park hours.
Mayor Roger Swenson reported Brent Langston is willing to represent the city for civil matters in the justice court. This includes animal citations. The council voted to have Langston represent them in justice court.
There is a citizen interested in being on the planning and zoning commission. She will have to fill out all of the appropriate paperwork and be approved by the council.
Allen Childs gave the planning and zoning update. Childs now has 8×11 plot maps of the city. The compact size will make it easier for him to look up information. He thanked Cindy Nielson, the treasurer for putting them together. The city cemetery will be adding additional plots in the cemetery.
Citizens who purchase cemetery plots generally want several adjacent plots. The additional plots will help families who want to have adjacent plots for burial. Citizens have contacted Childs for planning and zoning clearance for their projects, they include: a shed, a green house, fences, an overhang for parking and carports.
Councilman Brandon Hoffman discussed animal control. The city continues to receive multiple complaints about dogs running at large, especially during the night. Loose dogs roam the streets at night causing all of the dogs in the neighborhood to bark. Residents need to be accountable for their dogs. Dogs need to be in their yard so they are not a nuisance to anyone. The council will start enforcing the dog ordinance. The animal control officer will be issuing citations for violations of the ordinance. In the city newsletter pictures were taken of a few dogs at large. Mayor Swenson addressed the dog problem in the newsletter and hopes it will serve as a reminder to everyone to control their dogs. The city fee schedule will need to be amended to reflect violations of the animal ordinance.
Councilwoman Carole Larsen said she has been getting complaints about the trailer that burned down. It smells bad and kids are playing around and in the trailer. The owner will be sent notice the trailer needs to be cleaned up within 30 days.
Councilwoman Carol Stilson remarked about citizens who help keep the city looking beautiful. They volunteer their time to help cleanup the cemetery and other areas throughout the town.
Councilman Kirk McQuivey said the fire department has new firemen. They are doing a great job.
Mayor Swenson received a letter from Amanda Leonard requesting the fee be waived for use of the community center during the bouldering festival. In exchange for the fee waiver, Orangeville City will be listed as a sponsor. The council approved the fee waiver. There will be a change to the Mayor’s Award. There will be two awards, $25 will go to a K-2 grade student and $25 will go to a 3-5 grade student. The award will focus on students doing community service.