Manderson Councilperson requests changes to goat ordinance

The Manderson Town Council revised its proposed goat ordinance on second reading during its Oct. 12 meeting.
It passed on second reading with Councilman Troy Chambers voting nay. He said he was uncomfortable with aspects of it. The first was the wording about the governing body having the right to inspect the property anytime to make sure the rules of the ordinance are being followed. “I believe that is out of the scope of our job,” said Chambers. “That is why we have a police department.”
Mayor Rod Patrick responded that “it is just to give Manderson the authority to do it.” Chambers replied that the authority is already listed in current ordinances.
Councilman Tim Patrick said, “Then we ought to amend that to read as you said.” Chambers said he would like it taken out completely.
Chambers said the ordinance reads that if they do this then the next item listed on the ordinance would not apply.
The mayor told chambers, “Ok why don’t we just read over that. Then at the next meeting we can amend it and pass the third reading and pass the ordinance.”
The next item Chambers wanted changed read, “The animals to be removed from the property.” He explained that removing the animals would most likely take a court order. In his opinion this violates a resident’s Fourth Amendment right and it is government overreach. He wants it taken out of the ordinance.
Mayor Patrick said, “We will look at that also. The second reading of the goat ordinance passes. We will amend it next meeting and pass the final reading then.”
MAINTENANCE
Mayor Patrick said he and Councilman Patrick have been doing the maintenance work since David Frame quit. Councilman Patrick said there is not time to advertise for the position as there is a couple weeks of work that needs to be done now.
The mayor added that the filters need to be done now and that someone needs to go to the sewer plant each morning.  He doesn’t have time.  Councilman Patrick said testing for lead in the water pipes also needs to be done before the end of October.  The mayor expounded that the town needs to find out which kind of pipe is going into each house. If a pipe has lead, it will have to be replaced. He also said it was a state requirement.
The mayor asked if Tim had time to do the maintenance. His response was that he didn’t want to, but that it must be done. The mayor continued that Tim would need a helper. He continued that it would be up to the council to decide. He suggested Randy Brown as in his opinion Brown has the knowledge and experience. The council voted to hire Tim and Brown for now.  Both the mayor and Tim abstained from the vote. The town will advertise for the position in the meantime.