Three things you need to know ahead of Santa Rosa County commissioners’ meeting
For the first time since September, the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting will return to its normal schedule following Hurricane Isaias.
The board will host a planning meeting on Nov. 10, followed by a regular meeting Nov. 12.
Here are three things you need to know ahead of the meetings this week.
Dog tethering ordinance
The Santa Rosa County Commission will host a public hearing on Nov. 12 at 8:30 a.m. to take public comment on a proposed dog tethering ordinance set to be introduced.
The draft ordinance, which was prepared by Santa Rosa County Animal Services, states that prolonged or improper tethering can increase the risk of injury, behavior problems or entanglement in dogs.
Under the proposal, a tether could only be attached to a properly fitted flat collar or body harness. Choke, prong or slip collars are prohibited. Puppies younger than 6 months, injured or sick dogs, dogs 6 months or older without rabies vaccinations, and females in heat cannot be left tethered while being unsupervised.
Tethered dogs would need constant access to water, dry ground and shelter. The ordinance also bars animals from being tethered during severe weather, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding, and at temperatures below 40 degrees.
Violation of the ordinance could produce civil penalties outlined by existing animal control penalties. A six-month grace period is baked into the proposal. Any violation found after the grace period is a separate violation for each day an animal owner is not within the guidelines.
Navarre Beach parking changes
Drivers who park illegally on county-owned land at Navarre Beach could have their vehicles towed at their own expense under a proposed ordinance.
The proposal, which will add new guidelines to the county’s traffic code, is set to have a public hearing on Nov. 12. The county argues that illegally parked vehicles can block public and emergency access and damage the environment.
If approved, the ordinance would make it unlawful to park, stop, stand or leave a vehicle on county-owned property at Navarre Beach. Vehicles in violation could be towed by order of law enforcement or a county employee with authorization from the county administrator.
The county would have to document each tow and notify law enforcement. The ordinance does not apply to private property or land owned by agencies or the county under a lease agreement.
Hurricane Isaias
The county will also approve or deny a budget amendment of $86,359,920 to recognize funds from FEMA, state and disaster reserves for debris removal.
The federal portion of the total is $64.7 million, with the state allocating $10.7 million. The remaining $10.7 million comes from the county’s general fund reserves.
In a recent interview with Deputy County Administrator Jared Lowe, the county currently has $25 million in disaster funds. The county’s match would leave $15 million. County officials say they recently topped the 1.5 million cubic yard mark in debris removal.
Officials say they believe debris removal will reach substantial completion by the end of November.