Will third time be a charm?
Kennel issue still making rounds
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

For the second time the Ripley County Commissioners rejected the definition of a kennel at their January 14, meeting, and sent it back to the Planning Commission. It will be heard again at the Ripley County Area Planning Commission meeting on February 1.

The difference of opinion between the Ripley County Commissioners and the Ripley County Area Planning Commission over the definition of a kennel continues. For the second time the Planning Commission sent the 1991 definition of a kennel which reads, "Any lot where four or more dogs or small animals over four months of age," back to the Ripley County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation.

One of the reasons the Planning Commission reassures the public that the definition will not be used against them is that it has only been used two times in 34 years. During the discussion on the definition, Charles Dunsil stated, "Anything you put on the books can be used against you." He said the zoning code had been used against him and his neighbors by one individual in the past, costing him about $4,000 in attorney fees.

Planning Commission President Sam Row said he wanted to know if that was true and if someone is using the code for harassment.

Tad Brinson, Executive Director of the Planning Commission, said what Dunsil said was correct. One individual had filed complaints against three neighbors over code violations.

Jeanine Osdendorf said it's not the people who have four animals and are taking care of them that is the problem. The bigger problem is people who are not taking care of their animals or who are dumping animals. If this definition is used, there will be more dumping.

Faye Wagner stated, "We need a code for people who have dogs for business purposes, but we already have laws to cover dogs that are a nuisance or mistreated."

In other business:

Chuck Folz reported that with the help of State Representative Cleo Duncan the county may be getting help with the cost of snow removal. Up to 75 percent of overtime, material and those on contract may be reimbursed by the state. The county should know within two weeks.

India Turner, Director of the Division of Family and Children, asked the commissioners to sign a Certificate of Acceptance for a grant request from the Criminal Justice Institution. It is to help children who are abused. They signed the certificate.

All three commissioners were in attendance: President Robert Reiners, Chuck Folz and Lawrence Nickell. Attorney Neil Comer was present to advise the commissioners. Auditor Mary Ann McCoy attended to take minutes of the meeting.

The next commissioners meeting will be January 31, at the Commissioners room of the Ripley County Courthouse Annex in Versailles.