Lakeside Park dog rule may be rewritten
The current regulation prohibiting dogs in Lakeside Park may not be enforceable as it is written, according to city attorney Mike Vogler. Council member Karl Heidemann, speaking at Monday’s city council meeting, observed that the prohibition of dogs in the park apparently is, “not an ordinance but a regulation.” In pointing out the inconsistencies regarding the existing rule, Vogler added, “The ordinance says it’s a misdemeanor, the rule says it’s a civil infraction.” Chief of Police Matthew Quaine pointed out the present situation calls into question the enforceability of the rule itself.
Council member Gary Nowak pondered whether the council should recommend a re-write of the ordinance to provide for a consistent penalty for violation of the rules. Mayor Beach Hall concluded, “I think the consensus is to do something.”
IN OTHER BUSINESS, city manager John Bruning reported that the federal government did not fund the grant application for the school resource officer program. “Funding is there through the November election and, if the millage proposal passes, there will be funds for the program, otherwise, staffing will have to be reviewed,” he said.
Chief Quaine explained that, out of 365 officers funded nationwide through the Department of Justice program, eight went to Michigan, ($1 million), and all of them were for Benton Harbor. Bruning reported that the railroad right of way purchase could be accomplished better as a q
THE CHAMBER of Commerce has requested closing Business US-23 (Third Street) for an extended period the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. Bruning noted that Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) regulations require special signage for extended closures of certain routes. He said, “It can cost about $2,225 per day to rent the proper signs from the company that provides the lighted detour signs.”
Bruning said one alternative would be to block a different city street that does not require closing the state business route. He also noted that the 5 to 9 p.m. timeframe necessitates the use of lighted signs, as it is dark during that time of the year. The council decided to study the issue and bring it up again at the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 10:44 a.m. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. October 4 in the City Hall chambers room.