Oakland addresses animal ordinance

The chapter on animals in the town of Oakland's Code of Ordinances is so old that it states “it shall be unlawful for any person to hitch, ride or allow any horse, mule, ass or other animal to stand on any sidewalk.”

Furthermore, it's still against the law for anyone to keep a hog or pig pen in the town limits without a special permit.

As the town continues to update its ordinances, it is cleaning up verbiage that no longer pertains to the 21st century. It is possible that the last time the animal ordinance was rewritten was in 1953; Town Clerk Kim Gay can find no other records to indicate otherwise.

Jay Marder, Oakland town planner, has recommended that the commission adopt the Orange County Animal Services ordinance, but Mayor Kathy Stark had reservations.

“My only concern (is), we have a history of ruralness that we embrace,” she said. “We don't want to move to, 'You can't have chickens in your yard, the Territos can't have their horse in their backyard.' I miss seeing the turkeys walking down the road.”

The commission passed the first reading of the ordinance update, but Stark said she wants to have more discussion at the second reading and public hearing, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 13.

The first readings of four other ordinance updates were passed, as well. These are changes pertaining to alcoholic beverages (regulates distance between operating business and churches and schools), garage sales (limits number of sale days), businesses (affects home-occupation regulations) and taxation (for small items such as business licenses and lien search fees).

Their second readings and public hearings also will be Dec. 13. (The Nov. 22 Town Commission meeting has been canceled because of the Thanksgiving holiday.)

In other news

• The Town Commission received an update on the Art & History Museum that will be built adjacent to Town Hall. The design incorporates cracker-style architecture with an open-air concept. Bob Miller of R. Miller Architecture said the Grace Park pavilion could be refurbished and serve as the entry to a snack bar. The east end of the building would have modular sliding-glass doors that can be opened for concerts. The project must be completed by February 2018 to take advantage of grant monies.

• Elected officials approved an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2016 budget. The new totals are: General Fund, $4,225,858; Utility Fund, $1,125,894; and Facilities Fund, $41,896.