Stray dog problem brought to Council’s attention

Gayle Wilson Ray relates losing a pair of show goats to a pack of dogs -- inside the city limits. Van’Go’photo The Buffalo City Council met on Monday, February 8, at the Buffalo Senior Center. When Mayor Royce Dawkins invited public comments, Gayle Ray took the floor, not as City Attorney, but "as a taxpayer and mother", and described a disturbing incident from last week. After calling City Hall to report that a pack of dogs were hanging around her house, she was told that the animal control officer was “off the clock and would be available again on Monday.” Over the weekend, both of her daughter's 4H show goats were killed by the pack. "We're just weeks away from the county show and she can't have a project. Money's down the drain, hard work's down the drain, and nothing to show in the sale. All of this could have been prevented if city employees had used a little common sense," Ray suggested. Adding that this is the fourth time she has had this problem, Ray concluded, "We keep hiring animal control officers. I can't imagine that I live in the city limits and keep having dogs kill my goats." Although the Council is not required to respond to comments in the public forum, Mayor Dawkins did say that he and the Rays are working on possible restitution for their loss, and the issue was also addressed during the police report and the animal control officer's report.

Resident Johnny Wilson also took advantage of the opportunity for public comments to point out discrepancies in the city's budget and the actual revenue coming in. "Looking at the sales taxes and municipal court fees, you're lacking $82,000 so far this year. Multiply that times four and you'll be $328,000 in the hole by the end of the year..."

Right on the heels of that statement, Tri-County Horseshoe Club officers Paul Kennedy and Ron Murphy addressed the Council to re- quest funds for improving their facility, which is within the Buffalo city limits. The club, the largest in Texas with 32 concrete pits, hosts several three- and four-day events each year, bringing hundreds of families to town which spend money in the city's hotels, restaurants, etc. This fall they will host a tournament in conjunction with the Buffalo Stampede, immediately followed by the prestigious State Tournament, where they expect over 300 pitchers, plus families. Prior to those events, they need to upgrade the insufficient parking and other aspects of the facility. Murphy pointed out, "Of 18 clubs in Texas, ours is the only one self-supporting. Others are at least partially supported by their city and county." The TCHC has also approached the BEDC and Chamber for help. The Council took their request under consideration, and Dianne Ryder pointed out that this request may qualify for some hotel/motel tax funds.

Old business discussed included plans for some limited street improvements.

The City's mobile home ordinance was discussed again and the city attorney instructed to rework the old ordinance and bring it back for the Council's consideration.

The Council reviewed and approved minutes from previous meetings and reports from the police department, animal control officer, municipal court and the property tax collection report for January.

Late in the meeting the Council went into executive session. No action was taken after they reconvened in open session.