By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular meeting of the Guthrie Center city council on May 13, the council discussed the ongoing complaints from citizens about turkey vultures roosting in trees within city limits.
City clerk Kris Arrasmith updated the council on what she has found out about the issue, including that the birds are a federally protected species.
However, Arrasmith said it’s possible the city could get a permit to allow up to five turkey vultures to be legally eradicated, and she explained that a dead specimen hung in a tree where the birds have roosted is generally effective in getting them to leave, but she added that it’s unpredictable if the birds would leave town or simply roost elsewhere in town. Arrasmith said she is working on the process of requesting the permit.
In the meantime, Arrasmith suggested other ways to decrease the problem, such as loud noises to scare the birds off. She stressed that no sure-fire method is known.
“There are other things you can do… shoot bottle rockets at them,” Arrasmith said.
The council heard from Rodney and Tammy Wise, who were present to ask the city to allow them to keep goats at their property within the city. Compliance Officer Wes Clark said the city’s ordinance states no hooved animals are to be kept in the city.
“They have brought paperwork to Kris and I, saying they are emotional support animals,” Clark said.
Rodney Wise showed paperwork and explained that Tammy’s licensed therapist has documented that the goats are appropriate as emotional support animals for her. He was asked if any neighbors have objected to the goats being present.
“Nobody has ever come to us and complained,” Rodney said.
Mayor Mike Herbert suggested the matter should be brought to the attention of the city attorney for input. No other action was taken at this time.
A public hearing was held regarding the proposed sale of real estate (North First Street lot). No citizens were on hand for the hearing, and no council members or city staff reported hearing from citizens on the topic, so the hearing was promptly closed. The council then voted to approve the sale.
Street Department Head Darin Sloss reported that the pool is being filled, and a leak was discovered in the area repaired last year. Sloss said he was able to temporarily stop the leak, and he will contact the company to permanently fix the problem. Arrasmith said the expected opening date for the pool is Saturday, May 25.
Liquor licenses were approved for Al’s Corner Oil and for Apres Bar. A fence permit was approved for 301 Ordway (Lyon).
Because of the Memorial Day holiday, the council’s next regular meeting will be Tuesday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.