Dog owners under scrutiny in Durham
Jim Hoffner and Bobby Jones appeared Aug. 3 at the Durham city council meeting to discuss problems with trespassers and dogs running loose in the neighborhood. Hoffner said a sheriff's deputy had told him the sheriff's office cannot enforce city ordinances, but the mayor can get the legal authority to do so.
Dogs in question are pit bulls, and Durham has a long-standing ordinance against keeping that breed in the city. Mayor Glennon Crowther said he had informed the owner about the ordinance, but the dogs had not been removed. In fact, more had been acquired. The information obtained from the sheriff's office was that a police force and judge were required to enforce city ordinances.
"I'm sure we can't do anything about it tonight," said Crowther, "but I'll get together with our attorney and see what we can work out."
Verlin Sommerfeld, water supervisor, reported a customer has been turning the water meter off when the water isn't being used rather than repairing leaks. Since a plumber informed Sommerfeld the meters are not designed to be turned on and off that often, he is concerned about damage to the meter. The council decided to have Sommerfeld lock the meter on.
The mayor reminded the council of the budget hearing set for Monday. A notice has been published.
Gary Unruh brought up the subject of low-hanging tree branches, which constitute a traffic hazard. He said Dave Hein had offered to help trim them with his equipment. Council members agreed.
