Cats deemed a problem in one local town

Friday, March 14, 2008
The town of Bainbridge has been deemed to having a cat problem by members of the town council. The topic was discussed during this week's meeting.

Bainbridge Town Council members discussed the ongoing problem with cats in the town, approved an ordinance to allow ATV's on town roads, heard a proposed five-year plan to improve the parks and listened to a presentation for an enhancement project for the Washington Street Corridor at Wednesday nights meeting.

Council member Bonnie Osborn complained about the continuing problem with stray cats in the town.

"There needs to be something done about the cats in town. There is one who is right under my son's window," she stated.

Town Deputy Rodney Fenwick told council members that when stray cats are picked up they are taken to the Humane Shelter.

"The dogs are under control, it's the cats that aren't," reported Town Clerk Jason Hartman who receives daily phone calls about cats.

A discussion with animal control will take place at Thursday nights Utility Board added Hartman.

The Council signed an ordinance allowing the legal operation of off road vehicles on town streets. The designation applies to vehicles that carry proof of liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence for personal injury and property damage. The vehicles must also be registered with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

The ordinance also restricts passengers on the off road vehicles and creates fines for violations of rules in the about of $250 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent violations.

In a special order of business the council heard a presentation by Beth Powlen, Project Liaison from Wessler & Associates Consulting Engineers regarding an INDOT administered grant program for the Indiana Safe Routes to School Program and the INDOT FA-3 Program, which is a federal highway improvement grant.

Powlen suggested the council consider applying for grant funds for these projects that provide monies for improvements. A special executive session will take place this month so the council can consider whether to apply for the grant.

Another engineering company, Hannum, Wagle & Cline presented the council with a proposed five-year master plan for the parks and recreation department. This plan includes the relocation of ballparks, new walking trails, expanded playground areas, an amphitheater, Gazebo, tennis courts, spray pad and parking.

Sites included in the plan are Bainbridge Park, Steward Park and the Community building area. The master plan, which would take 10-15 years, would cost $648,850. It would be completed in phases that would start in 2008 with the addition of sidewalks at the community building, signage, sidewalk and striping at the basketball court and site master plan and construction documents for Bainbridge Park.

Other Business:

* Discussed finding a citizen to appoint to the Plan Commission

* Considered what to do with two abandoned properties

* Approved hiring a contractor to patch areas of N. Washington St.

* Announced Bainbridge Clean-up day on May 3

* Tabled a discussion about limiting parking on Main Street in front of Jim Watson's property.

Bainbridge Town Council meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Community Building. The next meeting will be April 9.

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  • Maybe the ATV's will scare away a few cats.

    -- Posted by Xgamer on Fri, Mar 14, 2008, at 4:36 AM
  • I can see the commercial on tv now; "Hi, I'm Ricky Bobby, warning you about packs of stray cats."

    -- Posted by JustinH on Fri, Mar 14, 2008, at 12:44 PM
  • The cats are a problem in Bainbridge. Our family is allergic to them, so of course the strays have "marked their territory" as my yard and front porch. I feel like I am constantly cleaning their scent off the kids' play things, and their excrement from our yard. It would help if people would NOT leave dishes full of food outside.

    -- Posted by tiredmom on Fri, Mar 14, 2008, at 3:07 PM
  • Stray cats are a problem here in Greencastle, along with dogs. They are spreading trash all over our neighborhood. They bother the leashed animals on private property. They crap in our lawns and on (at least mine) our porches. These strays destroy our flower beds and gardens. They have broken the lattice around my porch, and a few of my lawn ornaments.

    -- Posted by WONDER on Fri, Mar 14, 2008, at 4:32 PM
  • Can you ride an ATV around town to shoot the cats?? Maybe run over them??

    -- Posted by concerned3 on Sat, Mar 15, 2008, at 10:45 PM
  • How about the irresponsible humans who let them go in the first place? These poor animals should not pay the penalty for human stupidity and selfishness. Instead, let's round up the unthinking humans who assumed care for these cats and then let them go to fend for themselves by abandoning them. Shooting and euthanasia are not acceptable solutions for human irresponsibility.

    -- Posted by GC citizen on Sun, Mar 16, 2008, at 7:54 PM
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