MINNESOTT BEACH – A quartet of complaints about a single dog on Phillips Drive, and a pair of vacant and dilapidated trailers on Bennett Road - perceived to be both eyesores and health hazards -- were the focus for much of Tuesday night’s town board meeting.
Four ladies from the same neighborhood each took advantage of the public comment period to lobby for an animal nuisance law, which presumably would make it easier for the county’s Animal Control Officer, Trinity Smith, to address concerns over potentially hostile pets.
“It’s not the dog’s fault, it is the people,” said one of the women, in urging the town’s four commissioners to adopt an ordinance. “The man is never there and he is downright nasty,” said another, who added, “I don’t want to get into a pissing contest with my neighbor.”
Commissioner Dave Stewart appeared to speak for his colleagues, all of whom seemed reluctant for the town to delve into animal control wheel. Indeed, a recent poll conducted by way of the town website indicated that those voting were evenly split on the issue. Instead, Stewart suggested, adequate state laws exist – giving Smith more than enough clout to investigate any allegations.
“We need to look at these things on a case-by-case basis to determine if she can help us,” said Stewart. “If you go to her, she better react because it is her job.”
Wednesday evening the owner of ‘Girlfriend’ said his pet has never attacked anyone, only barks at strangers, and “is definitely not vicious.”
“I am at a loss,” said Marty Mariella, who returned a call while away on business in New York. “I don’t have a copy of what they said my dog was doing.”
Mariella confirmed that Smith has been in touch with him previously. He described his pet as “a baby.” He added, “She is a gentle little thing. She’s had all her shots and we only let her out in the evening. About the only thing she might do is trespass, and I don’t know if you could charge a dog with trespassing.”
Mariella conceded that the dog barks at strangers.
“But I don’t think that is a violation of any law,” he said.
Mariella offered to introduce his pet to a newspaper reporter.
“Why don’t you come to my house sometime soon,” he offered, “and you tell me if the dog is vicious.”
Stewart promised his constituents that he would speak with Smith, the county’s animal control officer, to determine any and all options that might be available.
In a subsequent agenda item, Commissoner Larry Whorton expressed his concern that “we should not allow people to just walk off and abandon their trailers.”
Whorton cited a state statute that empowers municipalities to act for the abatement of public nuisances.
The two trailers, on opposite sides of Bennett Road, are both owned by Wilbur Boone of Havelock, according to Pamlico County property records. Efforts to reach Boone were unsuccessful.
The board voted unanimously to start proceedings against Boone, a process that begins by contacting the town’s attorney.
“Those trailers are definitely turning into eyesores,” said Commissioner Tim Fowler, the board’s newest member. “We’re lucking nothing has happened out there.”
In other business, the board received a clean bill of health from auditor Ken Chilcoat, who recently completed a required state audit of the town’s finances.
“You folks have a relatively simple audit,” explained Chilcoat, who noted that “revenues have jumped over last year due to all of your annexing.”
He pointed to cash reserves of well over $300,000 and praised the elected officials for their savvy.
“The financial condition of this town is very good,” said Chilcoat. “You, the elected officials, are being very frugal and conservative.”
