Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 2, 2009
By Shavonne Potts
Salisbury Post
LANDIS ó The Board of Aldermen said no to residents owning exotic animals Monday night.
But the board wants to hear what residents have to say about prohibiting exotic animals in the town before making a final decision.
The discussion comes amid controversy over Tiger World, an animal conservation center opening this summer in Rockwell at the former Charlotte Metro Zoo.
A public hearing will be held March 3.
Alderman James Furr proposed the ordinance on Monday as a way to “protect the public against health and safety risks.” He cited some animals’ wild and potentially dangerous nature as the need for such a law.
“People buy these exotic animals when they’re young and when they stop being cute, they abandon them,” Furr said.
Alderman Tony Hilton expressed concern about “dangerous animals.” Last month, he said he worried about the possibility of them getting loose.
On Monday, Hilton asked how the town would enforce an ordinance banning the animals.
The board talked about enforcement options, including citations and giving the owner 10 days to get rid of the animal.
The board also:
– Approved including liquor by the drink on the ballot for the upcoming May primary.
Only Alderman Dean Beck voted against the measure.
Brown said he’s heard some comment about it and had intended to present the item only for discussion.
Hilton cited development and population growth as reasons why the town should consider liquor by the drink.
Beck said he thought the board should set a public hearing to get input from community leaders.
China Grove voters approved liquor by the drink in the November election.
– Approved spending $320 for the next three years as a contribution to the N.C. League of Municipalities to support the new N.C. Local Government Wing at the Institute of Government. The town’s contribution will help improve facilities at the school of government.
– Approved final construction plans for Phase I at the Oaks of Landis. The subdivision is at North Chapel Street.
– Approved a budget amendment for the Police Department that will take $1,430 from capital expenses and apply it toward training. Police Chief Reggie Faggart said the money is left over from a purchase of new handguns.
– Approved a resolution to support the Salisbury-Rowan United Action Agenda against gang violence. Other towns have also recently thrown their support behind the city of Salisbury’s efforts to combat gang violence.
– Set a March 3 public hearing to discuss adopting a backflow prevention ordinance.
Contact Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253 or spotts@salisburypost.com.