It wasn’t the first time in recent years a resident has voiced concerns about animals in the City of Bridgeport. It may have been the first time a resident asked for City Council to create an ordinance to do something about it.

 

During Monday’s Bridgeport City Council meeting, one resident pointed out that there are numerous ordinances dealing with how to handle animals in the city. However, he said there is nothing pertaining to how to address cats.

 

Wayne Holbert of Lawman Avenue explained his concerns during the public forum portion of Monday’s gathering.

 

“There needs to be something done to address free-roaming cats in the city,” said Holbert.

 

Holbert told Council when he inquired about issues on his roadway he was told it was his responsibility to capture the cats. From there, he said it was also his responsibility to deliver a captured cat to the Harrison County Humane Society. However, an official with the Humane Society saied that is incorrect. He said captured animals are dealt with by Harrison County Animal Control.

 

“There are ordinances for dogs … for barnyard animals, but nothing for cats,” he said.

 

Holbert is dismayed that cats are defecating on his property. Also, male cats, he said, mark their territory and it leaves an odor.

 

“Responsible pet owners should not be allowed to leave their pet’s droppings in their neighbor’s yards,” said Holbert.

 

Holbert asked Council to create an ordinance dealing with cats. While Mayor Andy Lang stopped well short of saying that will happen, he did say he would have city staff look at it and that discussion on the matter would likely begin after the start of the New Year.

 

The biggest portion of the meeting came on a report by City Engineer Beth Fox. Fox gave Council her department’s annual report. More on that later on Connect-Bridgeport.

 

Council also reappointed Patrick Jeffers to the Bridgeport Planning Commission for a term of three years and appointed two ballot commissioners for the 2019 Levy Election in Lisa McKitrick and Carole Kinard along with approving the appointment of the poll workers.

 

The city’s governing body closed the session with each member offering words for the end of the year, each expressing thanks and gratitude to the community, city staff and others. Although Council will have a special meeting Dec. 18, Monday’s meeting was the final regular meeting of 2018. The Dec. 24 meeting was canceled.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Wayne Holbert addressing Council, while the second photo shows Council members Dustin Vincent, left, and Jeff Smell, listening to Mayor Andy Lang as he explains the matter will be looked into after the start of the New Year.