Royal City considering dog, animal control ordinance updates

ROYAL CITY — Royal City is looking to update their dog and animal control ordinances. Royal City’s attorney, Katherine L. Kenison, told the city council during its regular meeting on June 4 that the city’s ordinance is old and needs to be updated to match state statutes with regard to dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs.

She also said that while chickens are illegal in Royal City, some people still have them.

“A chicken is considered a domestic animal,” Kenison said. “If a dog kills a domestic animal off your property, the state says it is a dangerous dog.”

The council also heard several reports. Finance Director Shilo Christensen told the council that the city’s annual report has been submitted. He said that the state offers a system to view trends and to see how the city compares to other cities.

“A couple of cities said they didn’t have cash on hand,” said Christensen. “We’re not doing bad.”

John Lasen, public works director, reported that the UV sewer treatment project “is moving along.” Currently there is electrical work that needs to be done on the project.

Lasen also reported that Royal City was the staging area for the Highway 243 Fire. He said that the fire crews were using the park. Crews had asked permission to have the park closed for 72 hours, which was granted.

Darryl Piercy, Royal City’s planning and building director, said the renovation on the Sparks building is going to make it the nicest building in town.

“The interior is really nice,” said Piercy. “He had to bring it fully up to code. He is a really good developer. He is willing to do what it takes to bring it up to code without any questions.”

Piercy also reported on the Catholic Charities and Rock Creek building projects. He also discussed some of the beautification issues associated with the plans to build a new Ace Hardware.

Business signage in town was a topic of conversation as well. Council member Mackenzee Anderson said that when she first put up her sign, she didn’t know that signage rules existed.

“I think people are unaware,” said Anderson.

Council member Perla Garcia suggested reminding business owners of the city’s signage rules when they renew their business licenses.