By: TONY MARKS
Associate Editor
A concerned resident addressed the Pine Prairie Village Council during its monthly meeting last week about vicious dogs within the village.
Gretchen Lamke’s remarks to the council came after recent pit bull and rottweiler attacks in her neighborhood. “I’d like something done about the vicious dogs before a child gets hurt,” she said.
Mayor Quint West stated, “We have to keep getting rid of them because the ordinance clearly states pit bulls and rottweilers are not allowed in the village limits at all.”
Police chief L.C. Deshotel asked the council members if the fines could be increased “because it doesn’t seem like it’s working too well this way.”
Village attorney Greg Vidrine advised he thinks the fine is $500.00 under the current ordinance but he “will double check because the fine cannot go above state law.”
Chief Deshotel then asked if jail time could be assessed as part of the sentence, and Vidrine replied the ordinance calls for a sentence of a $500.00 fine or 60 days in jail or both.
Councilwoman Tammy Hammond, to that point, stated, “Well, maybe that’s what it’ll take to get” it straight.
The mayor then said, “I wish the parish could open up a parish pound. I think it would be a great idea. I think people could make a living doing that. You could open one up, and all the communities could pay so much a month or pay so much per dog because it’s hard for us to maintain that.”
The council will look at the ordinance as it is written and will decide to make changes to it if necessary.
Earlier in the meeting, the council discussed proposed work projects at the ballpark.
Councilwoman Hammond reported Tony McCollough from the ballpark had been in contact with her as well as the other councilmembers about the projects.
“I do think it is time that we do more for the ballpark because the residents pay a tax,” said Councilwoman Hammond. “I think we should make our ballpark more presentable so the ballpark can have more tournaments.”
She reported Mccollough requested to wrap the shed with metal, to change the fences, to put limestone in high traffic areas, and to do maintenance at the existing structures. The cost of the work would be $45,000.00.
“We have changed the fences, but I think the ballpark has to accept some responsibility on maintaining them,” said Mayor West. “Hitting balls in the fence is the worst thing you could do. Once you bend that fence and it kicks up, it’s done. Most of the damage is from hitting balls into the fence.”
Councilwoman Debbie Ogé stated, “I don’t think we’re going to dish out $45,000.00, but, maybe over a certain amount of years, we can get all of this done.”
The mayor along with Councilwoman Hammond will meet with the people from the ballpark after looking at the budget.Once that happens, she said, “maybe we can try to allot a certain amount for recreation every year.”