The Town of Millet is introducing an updated version of their Animal Control Bylaw, as first reading was passed at the regular council meeting Apr. 11.
Animal Bylaw
Councilors read the draft version of the new By-law 2018/06 Animal Control included in their agenda packages.
Mayor Tony Wadsworth noted the bylaw includes the proposal that, if a pet owner is visiting Millet and has a valid tag for their pet from another municipality, that tag will be valid in Millet.
However, if they don’t have a valid tag, the pet will require either a lifetime tag ($80) or annual tag ($20).
Councilors discussed one of the most important parts of the bylaw, dangerous dogs. Councilors wondered who decides a dog is dangerous, and will that decision hold up in court?
Town CAO Teri Pelletier said enforcement officers in the past have named certain dogs “dangerous,” went to court and the judge upheld it. Assistant CAO Lisa Schoening noted dogs in question have usually already done something aggressive to be named “dangerous.”
Pelletier noted the new bylaw will also include updating a few terms, such as community peace officer.
The bylaw did not receive final approval, and will return for that at a future meeting.
Lions Club requests
Councilors read a memo from staff regarding some requests from the Millet Lions Club. The club requested waivers of fees and deposits for events at the community hall and Agriplex.
Charter Night was scheduled to be held at the community hall Apr. 21 and the club requested the rental fee of $448 be waived. Also, the Lions are planning ahead as they also requested rental fees of $1,390 for the Agriplex Nov. 3 be waived; that’s the night the community awards will be held.
Mayor Wadsworth noted that when fees are waived by town council, the fees still get paid but out of the council’s budget. Council unanimously approved the fee waivers.
Show and shine
Council read a memo from staff regarding this summer’s Millet Show and Shine scheduled for July 14. Show and Shine organizers requested a waiver of rentals and fees, but council wasn’t sure exactly what fees were involved.
“We did confirm that the organizers are hosting the event on public lands, not Town lands,” stated the memo. “The issue was that the event was a non-conforming use of the zoning. We then contacted the property owner and he submitted (a request for permission).”
It was noted the event has already been advertised across Alberta. The show and shine will be held on private property west of the Agriplex.
Councilors unanimously approved waiving the land restrictions in question.