Nuisance animals once again a problem

The town of Odessa has an ordinance governing the numbers of pet cats and dogs any given household may have (without requiring a kennel license) and stating that pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Animals running loose, getting into other people’s yards or defecating on downtown streets or lawns are subject to capture by local police, and fines may be levied against the owners.

But what if the animal is not a personal pet? What if it is a wild animal that has found life in Odessa to be a veritable paradise of free food and easy living? Monday night’s town council meeting brought to light several complaints from Odessa homeowners about skunks and raccons which have now joined the ranks of feral cats and sometimes dogs that are feasting on whatever food is left out for domestic pets. Some residents have taken it upon themselves to feed not only their own pets but also whatever feral cats live in their neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, the practice, however altruistic it may appear, creates a nuisance when the population is allowed to grow unchecked. Just as it did a few years ago, the current feral cat population in Odessa has grown to a nearly unmanageable size. At the same time, skunks and raccoons are being attracted by the free food, and they are causing problems in people’s yards.

There is also the possibility that some might carry rabies or other diseases. Skunks certainly have their own special nuisance factor when they are frightened or threatened.

The council and the police chief agreed that the matter bears looking into, and Chief Helen Coubra will begin looking at wildlife laws to see what rules already exist regarding nuisance animals within municipal limits.

Police report

A related problem was reported by Coubra, who recently captured two dogs that had been dumped at the Odessa airport. Efforts to find their owners were unsuccessful. Finding herself unable to place the dogs into the so-called kennel of the town of Odessa during the hot weather we are currently having, she took them to her home until accommodations could be found. Since one of the animals was a pit-bull mix, shelters were unwilling to take either dog. She did finally find a place that would accept them, but only after her home and police car had both been trashed by the frightened and likely abused animals.

She also reported that calls for the month were largely routine, with the only serious infraction a hit-and-run, which was quickly solved.

She also reported good participation by townspeople in the National Night Out activities (see separate article, this page).

Public works report

Public works employee Gerald Greenwalt reported on continuing efforts by the department to reduce the amount of sludge at the wastewater treatment plant. The town crew is now bagging the sludge two times each day instead of once in an effort to more quickly reduce the amounts left in the settling pools. The bags are then left on a concrete drying pad to dry out before being transported to the Barr-Tech composting facility near Sprague.

Greenwalt also reported work on several pumps belonging to the sewer system and to the swimming pool.

Mayor’s report

Mayor Doug Plinski announced that Copenhaver Construction was the low bidder for the airport road-moving project and will be awarded the contract. The USKH engineering firm will remain involved as the project management company.

A Kennewick company has won the bid for the shoreline master program work.

Washington state senator Janea Holmquist-Newbry will visit Odessa Wednesday, September 4, at the Old Town Hall to meet with residents and answer questions from 2 to 4 p.m