“I’m back,” resident Barbara Rexroat told the Poplar Bluff City Council on Monday. “The problem is still very confusing and has not been resolved.”
Rexroat along with Michael Barrett repeated their concerns over a dog the Poplar Bluff Animal Control Board labeled dangerous and vicious March 12. Both residents repeated their frustration over not being able to reach animal control by phone. The animal is owned by Thomas Casey.
“How financially responsible is this city if this dog gets loose and attacks somebody?” Rexroat challenged.
Council member Mark Massingham, who was also present at the animal control board meeting, recounted the restrictions Casey is supposed to be following. These include building an enclosure and getting a $50,000 liability insurance policy.
“We assume he is not in compliance,” said City Planner James Sisk.
He stated Casey was notified within 10 days of the animal control board meeting. Sisk confirmed an officer went to Casey’s house again March 31, did not personally make contact with Casey, and left a message with another individual living there.
Sisk said the individual relayed Casey’s intent to find lodging outside the city for the dog. Massingham and council member Lisa Parson explained no insurance company was willing to initiate the required liability policy for the dog.
Council member Jerrica Fox-Lane asked if the council had the authority to seize the dog and place it with animal control because Casey does not have the insurance. Sisk replied a warrant is needed.
Parson questioned, “Don’t we need to take steps to do something?”
Mark Richardson, the city legal counsel, said any action would have to stem from a court order, and the matter was outside the council’s authority. Sisk stated he did not have proof the dog was in the house at all.
At this point, Barrett produced a photo he said he had taken a week ago of the dog at Casey’s residence. He described the animal as clawing to get out.
After recounting an earlier story of when he was bitten, Barrett stated, “That will happen again.”
The council repeated the matter was outside of their authority.
Blue Zones
After the citizen’s input session, Christy Shawan, vice president of Saint Francis Medical Partners Operations Southwest, presented an update for the Blue Zones project. The effort comes from a Missouri Highlands grant to improve health outcomes in the community.
“We all know we’re not a healthy community,” Shawan said.
If the city moves forward with the project, Poplar Bluff would be the first in Missouri to become a Blue Zone community. Shawan explained the project would hire up to three employees locally.
Additionally, it may attract other businesses because the city could advertise itself as Blue Zone certified. She concluded by promising a financial plan for the city to consider.
Other business
Sisk presented the possibility of annexing the lot at 3209 Oak Grove Road next to the high school into the city. The council voted to move the matter to the next voting session.
In other business, members unanimously approved:
• Bids for $100 each on two tracts at 519 Kinzer and the corner lot at Valley and Garfield owned by the city
• R. L. Persons Construction’s $2.8 million bid for the stormwater improvement project.
• Updates to the personnel handbook for city employees.
• Authorization for Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission to provide administrative services for the Transportation Alternative Program grant .
• Application to the Transportation Alternative Program for crosswalk and sidewalk improvements in the city.
Council member Robert Smith was absent from the meeting.