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Vicki Merrick was sworn in as deputy clerk
MAGNOLIA — Last week, in an effort to help the town of Magnolia revise its animal control ordinance to better address the community’s needs, Joseph Ezzell, the town’s attorney, presented suggestions to the board based on ordinances from other towns. Ezzell discussed important considerations, such as animal limits per household, leash laws, vaccination requirements, permits, and an enforcement system with escalating fines to encourage compliance.
Ezzell suggested giving the commissioners a month to review the different ordinances indicated so they can make recommendations for a draft that reflects the community’s needs. Additionally, he recommended allowing public input before the ordinance is adopted. While a public hearing is not required, he felt holding one to gather public opinions would be beneficial.
In other matters, the town board appointed and sworn in Vicki H. Merrick as deputy clerk. They also established a regular planning board meeting schedule, set for the second Tuesday of each month before the town board meeting.
Town Manager Charles Banks provided an update on the town’s finances, reporting that the checking account balance currently stands at $104,532.65, while the trust account has $510,880.26. He noted that things are looking good financially.
Banks also shared that the town will be using a grant from the Department of Emergency Management to replace the Florence Gallier Library roof and conduct renovations. According to the town manager this grant is a carryover from relief funding allocated after Hurricane Matthew for approximately $13,000. Work is expected to begin soon, with completion targeted for early summer.
“We’re really excited about that,” said Banks. “Fingers crossed that we don’t get any storms and everything moves forward. We’re going to have a really nice library for everybody to enjoy after the summer.”
Additionally, Banks announced that the town will install new water meters next year with the infrastructure grants received last month. These new water meters will enhance efficiency.
“Our water meters are already double their life cycle; we have meters that are over 50 years old,” said Banks, adding that this will provide new water meters for everyone within the city limits.
“[The new meters] register if you’re having a water leak within 24 hours rather than you having a leak for a month and not knowing it. So, please be patient with us,” said Banks. “We’ve got some great things coming down the line.”
Mayor Dawn Ward announced the rebranding of the Recreation Committee to the Community Engagement Committee, which will focus on local initiatives like park clean-up days and park-related activities.
The board also reminded everyone that the Magnolia Fire Department is hosting a barbecue fundraiser on March 22 at the ballpark. Mayor Pro Tem Jeanine Cavenaugh urged the community to support the department’s efforts to raise funds for its operations. She noted that large cans of beans, potatoes, and Styrofoam carryout trays are still needed for the fundraiser.
“I don’t think it’s too much to help support them any way that you can,” said Cavenaugh. “Those guys put their lives on the line for you — to save your house. You want them here. They’ve got to have money to keep the fire department going.”
