Animal control ordinance approved

Commissioners met for their regular monthly meeting Tuesday, Jan. 28 despite snowfall in Zebulon to approve the second reading of the animal control ordinance. The new version of the animal control ordinance, which was approved at the meeting, no longer includes a 50 cent fee for in-county vaccinations and does not have any reference to the impoundment of animals.Commissioners held a lengthy discussion over which version to approve. Commissioner James Jenkins moved to approve the new version and commissioner Carol Bass seconded. The motion carried by a 3-1 vote, with chairman Briar Johnson in opposition. Commissioner Tommy Powers was unable to attend the meeting. ’For right now, we took out all the language concerning the impoundment facility we’re trying to set up on County Farm Road,’ said animal control officer David Allen. ‘Commissioners were trying to get the ordinance approved and moved forward on that, which is good. Now we need to focus on getting the facility fixed and working on other aspects of the ordinance.’County manager John Hanson said Pike will receive 70% of the repair costs for extensive work to be done on Milner and Wood Creek roads after flash flooding destroyed areas of both roads running over local creeks. An LMIG grant will reimburse Pike for most of the costs, which could be as much as $28,000. Commissioners also commended Jodi Hearn, 13, who held a Christmas dinner for families in need Dec. 23. She was thanked for her service. Hanson said she was Pike’s nominee for the Governor’s Servant’s Heart Award and read the letter he submitted to the state explaining why she was the nominee. She was also presented with a Community Service Award. The county also:’¢ Approved an alcohol license for retail sales of beer and wine for Rakesh Chourasia at Mountain View Convenience Store at 3181 Hwy. 19 S., Meansville. ’¢ Heard no applications were received for an appointment to the West Central Georgia Workforce Investment Board. Applications can be filled out at the commission office during regular business hours. ’¢ Denied a tax refund request from LSK Properties based on the recommendation of the tax assessor’s board. ’¢ Set qualifying fees for 2014 county elections, including a county commissioner qualifying fee of $231 and a school board fee of $72.’¢ Called a closed session to discuss the magistrate court and reconvened to take no further action. ’¢ Heard the bid for the sheriff’s department roof is finalized and Pike will sign the contract soon. It is still waiting on final costs to repair damage at the magistrate court from the insurance adjuster so work can begin on that.’¢ Received a petition for issues regarding Tanyard Road. Hanson, noting recent publicity in the Pike County Journal-Reporter, wanted to assure commissioners the office is run professionally and road upgrades are based on needs, feasibility and cost. He said that is done with the upmost respect to all citizens.’¢ Heard from all commissioners present that the county retreat went well and was informative and productive. County attorney Rob Morton said some items planned for the retreat need to be addressed in a future meeting or workshop on making changes to policy with emphasis on personnel and finances. A date has not yet been set.