POINT PLEASANT — Point Pleasant City Council approved the first reading of a proposed ordinance that would amend the current legislation pertaining to dogs and cats during its regular meeting on Monday evening.

Part 5, Article 505.05 of the city’s codified ordinances addresses dogs or cats running “at large,” specific breeds of dog prohibited inside city limits and impounding of animals.

Section A of the ordinance prohibits owners of dogs and cats from allowing their animals to run “at large” (loose) “upon any public place or upon any unenclosed lands within the Municipality.”

Section B of the ordinance addresses specific breeds that are prohibited inside city limits. The following dog breeds fall under the prohibited category: Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier and any breeds of dog that “have the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of the breeds of dogs known as Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier.”

Seventh Ward Councilman Sam Juniper asked if language was included in the ordinance that would “grandfather in” residents who are owners of the prohibited dog breeds. City Attorney R.F. Stein said that no such language was included in the ordinance, but could be added if council wanted to do so. Council members did not take action on that issue.

Under Section C on impounding and disposition, Stein offered revised language for the council members to consider, changing wording from “dog” to “animal” to reflect the ordinance’s jurisdiction over cats.

Council also discussed the city’s alcohol and drug-free workplace policy, approving an amendment to the policy that would bring it into compliance with state law. Stein advised council that city employees who would be exempt from mandatory testing under state law should also be excluded under the city policy. He said state law allows mandatory testing of employees if there is “reasonable suspicion” of drug or alcohol abuse or if the employee works in a “safety sensitive” position, such as a police officer or anyone who operates vehicles or machinery. Council approved the recommended change to the policy.

Formation of a sanitary board was also discussed during the meeting. Juniper said the issue needs to be explored further to see if creating the board is really necessary. Doeffinger said he has been told that the city doesn’t need a sanitary board, adding that it would be “just another bureaucracy.” The consensus among council members is that they would rather not have to create a sanitary board if it’s not required. Stein said he would do further study on the issue and report back about his findings.

City Clerk Amber Tatterson told council that only one company submitted a bid for repair of the city boat dock at the Riverfront Park. The dock, Tatterson said, was damaged in two incidents that occurred over the fall and winter. Alan Stone Co. submitted a bid of $114,941 for the project, which was $5,000 more than what the city’s insurance will cover. Tatterson said she would contact the insurance company to find out if the additional $5,000 in expenses could be covered.

Only one company bid on the job to mow city cemeteries. Tatterson said that Green and Barrett Lawn Care submitted a bid of $2,310 a week for mowing the cemeteries. No action was taken.

The issue of unpaid municipal fees was also addressed Monday. Juniper said some $4,000 in municipal fees has not been collected, adding that city ordinance allows the city to file leins against the debtors. He then directed Mayor Brian Billings and the city attorney to begin the process of filing leins against those who owe delinquent municipal fees.

Billings provided council with an update on repair work at the water plant, stating that water lines had been replaced and the project is complete. He said repair work to the Sandhill Lift Station is projected to cost $2,670. Precision Pump and Valve will be doing the work, according to the mayor.

Billings said the city sewer department is in need of a new dump truck. The current vehicle, a 1990 GMC, is in poor condition and needs to either be repaired or replaced. Juniper suggested using $30,000 from the city’s CSO fund to pay part of the purchase price of a new dump truck. Council was in agreement on that suggestion.

The date of the August meeting of Point Pleasant City Council has been changed from Monday, Aug. 9 to Monday, Aug. 16. Tatterson told council that she was suggesting the change since the Mason Co. Fair starts on that date, and that Billings and Stein have active roles in the fair.