By DIANE R. CHODAN
OBSERVER Staff Writer
CHARLOTTE - Charlotte Town Justice, Jeffrey Crossley wondered if the town board could help him with dangerous dog cases.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan
Charlotte Town Justice Jeffrey Crossley stands to give his report to the town board. He asked if something could be done to define “securely confined” in the case of a dangerous dog.
The state's "dangerous dog law" allows him as town justice to order permanent confinement of a dog under certain circumstances.
However, as Crossley said, "'Securely confined' is anybody's definition."
Kristina Wiles, the dog control officer, sitting in front of Crossley, nodded in agreement.
"I am wondering if we could write a local law to help with this," Crossley said, "Then I can mandate it."
Town Supervisor Kenneth Bochmann looked to the back row where Town Attorney William Duncanson was seated.
"Bill can we do that?" he asked.
"Oh yeah," Duncanson answered. "I can draft up something. I've seen a couple of these. The fence could have to extend underground."
Crossley also addressed the need for a new computer. He said his system was rebuilt in 2004, won't write to CD and is too slow for the video conferencing needed for his mandated hours of training. He asked the board to look at a grant application he prepared. The board agreed.
Highway Superintendent Doug Walter also reported to the board.
"The dirt roads are in excellent shape. We are done patching," he said.
He also reported that the union contract is still at impasse.
The board thanked Walter for his work since he replaced Lewis Nickerson as highway superintendent. Walter noted the help he received from neighboring highway departments.
Councilman Kenneth Smith suggested the town send a letter of thanks to the towns of Gerry, Ellington, Cherry Creek, and the villages of Cassadaga and Sinclairville for their help recently with highway equipment.
"They came to the forefront and really helped," he said.
Smith laughingly talked about his hectic day at the town's recent rabies clinic. Afterwards he received a thank you note. "The thank you note made it all better," he said.
The next meeting of the town board is scheduled for Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
Comments on this article may be sent to dchodan@observertoday.com.
