Mission’s animal control officer still out of commission
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ST. IGNATIUS — With animal control officer Susan Dodson still not back on the job, St. Ignatius hasn’t quite gone to the dogs, but the city’s canine problem is still a big issue.
It was announced during the monthly town council meeting that it is not known when Dodson will return to work. In January, she fell on ice and has been under doctor’s orders to stay out of the animal control vehicle. She had a doctor’s appointment on March 6 but has not reported back to work. Since her accident, there has been no animal control officer on duty in St. Ignatius. During last month’s meeting, there was discussion about the town’s dog licensing law and lack of facilities to hold nuisance or ticketed dogs.
Resident Bernie Lovell complained that there are still several problem dogs in her neighborhood, and a dogfight occurred under her window.
“We’ll figure out what’s wrong,” Mayor Charles Gariepy said concerning Dodson and St. Ignatius’ dog issue.
In March, councilman Mack McConnell offered to head an effort that would include involving various entities like other town’s city councils, as well as cooperation from tribal and county governments, to create a facility that could contain nuisance or ticketed dogs. McConnell reported to the council that most of the entities he approached already had systems in place but were not opposed to the idea.
“I want to follow up with contact with the tribe. If the tribe supports it, it’s a good chance the county will, too,” McConnell said.
In other news, Gariepy announced he hasn’t had time to look over all the applications for the city attorney contract. He said he would tackle that task next week.
Last month, Greg Howell and Jan Niemeyer from the Lake County Community Development Corporation approached the city council about applying for a grant to help fund a housing project. The project would have rented a remodeled triplex on Airport Road to low-income families. The two told the council local jurisdiction was needed to apply for the application. However, Niemeyer informed the council that the property is not available since it is too close to the airport. Niemeyer is now looking for other locations closer to Mission businesses.
